In Memory

On Monday, Americans set aside a day of remembrance for our fallen heroes. Over the last 232 years, 1,198,198 men and women have given their lives not only for our freedom, but also for the sake of other nations. Deb and I visited Gettysburg last year and as we walked around “Little Round Top”, I could not help but think about the deaths that were in this one battle alone. I not only thought about those deaths, but also the lives that were shattered due to the loss of their loved ones. Everyone has been aware of how quickly gas prices have been changing. Sometimes, during newscasts, the prices may change three times. Do not get me wrong, many people are suffering because of the price of gas. However, try to imagine what it was like on the second day at Gettysburg, when there were roughly 20,000 casualties in fighting that lasted only a few hours. From around 4 p.m. until shortly after dark, the estimated casualty rate at the peak of the fighting in the areas of the Wheatfield, Little Round Top, and Devil's Den was faster than one per second. Can you imagine the sacrifice? Moreover, that was in just one battle. I thank God for the men and women that have fought and died for me. Father, I cannot imagine the grief that people have had to bear for my sake. Please bless each family that has had to embrace such great sorrow and pain. Help me to honor them and You with my life.
Amen, Pastor Don