This weekend, we will be celebrating what is traditionally called in the U.S., “Memorial Day.” On this occasion, communities and metropolitan areas have numerous services of remembrance to thank our Veterans of previous wars/conflicts for their sacrificial service. The sad thing is that very few citizens show up for these occasions. A typical memorial service, sometimes conducted in the middle of a Veterans’ cemetery, will be attended mostly by “old Vets;” many pushed in wheelchairs, others with their walking canes shuffling slowly towards the celebration site. How quickly we forget!
How easy it is for us to forget that, following September 11, 2001, we have sent hundreds of thousands of U.S. and other countries’ men and women into Iraq, Afghanistan and other critical areas! Regardless of how you feel about this present conflict, these are our sons and daughters…and someday, they will be our “old Vets.” If you take the time to attend one of these Memorial Day celebrations, an “old Vet” may tell you the stories of those days when he/she was a recruit, the many assignments within the U.S. and overseas and the personal stories of the good, the bad and the ugly of their service.
A few years ago, in talking to Dr. Bill Leonard, the Director of Ministerial Care for the Church of God, I learned that his aging dad had served in World War II as probably the first Church of God “Chaplain’s Assistant.” This historical reality had never been put in print; and this man of God had never been honored for those days, when he was just beyond teen years, serving as a Chaplain’s Assistant in some of the most fierce conflicts during World War II in the Philippines and other areas.
The Chaplains Commission took time to investigate this unsung hero; and, in a special luncheon with numerous family members present, we had the honor of making James Billy Leonard, Sr. an honorary “Chaplain Emeritus.” Humbly, he received all our commendations and remarks, along with a chaplain’s certificate; but, you could tell from the expression on his face that he was thinking, “Somebody remembered me and my faithful service!” He is now with the Lord; but burned in the hearts of all of us present, especially his family, is that look of appreciation for simply remembering.
Memorial Day is a time of remembrance…of those who paved the way for our freedom, religious rights and all the other things that go with a “job well done.” Memorial Day should be special, not just for “old Vets,” but all of us who are the recipients of their sacrifices.
(Source: cogchaplains.com)