They Said Yes-Memorial Day Tribute - Serenity in Suffering
They said Yes-Memorial Day tribute; join me as I step away from my Mindfulness Monday posts to pay tribute to our nation’s finest: the fallen heroes of Freedom. Men and women who courageously gave their lives in selfless service in our nation’s wars, gifting us the freedom we enjoy, but so often take for granted. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Men and women much like us, paid the ultimate sacrifice in the giving of their lives for their countrymen. Today I honor their noble sacrifice, courage and love.
Though no one in my family served in the military, my gratitude for the servicemen and women who valiantly served their country fills my heart. Growing up in the 60’s, the Vietnam War was front and center in the news and in my neighborhood. I actively participated in baking and packing cookies and care packages for neighbor boys fighting in far away Phnom Penh. In my home, neighborhood and school I learned respect and honor for all serving in the military; and that lesson lives with me today.
he said yes
My father-in-law served as a US Army Sergeant Airplane Armorer Gunner in World War II. He enlisted in February 1942 and returned home in August 1945 after seeing action in the Rhineland Central Europe Campaigns. He received the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, the World War II Air Medal with two bronze stars and the Good Conduct Medal.
Sadly, because my husband’s parents were divorced and his mother preferred his dad not be included in family festivities, I rarely saw him. He died shortly after we returned from the mission field in February of 2002. While he did not lose his life in service to his country, he gave almost four years of his life in the greatest war this world has ever seen to date because “he said yes.” I rejoice to honor him today.
They said yes-because freedom is never free
My Tribute
Unknown by me, true,
Still, I feel your loss
Unknown by you,
Your life given, was for me
For Freedom is bought,
It is never free.
You left home, family
Brave-giving all
The life you had-
The one never known
For God, Country, Liberty
True Freedom is bought,
It is never free.
The Red, White and Blue,
Colors of courage
Engraved on your heart,
Your sacrifice I honor
For Freedom is blood-bought,
It is never free.
memorial day tribute-wear a poppy
In Flanders Field– John McCrae 1872-1918
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
we will remember-they said yes
They said yes-Memorial Day tribute is my reflection on the supreme sacrifice paid by so many through war after war ensuring the precious gift of Freedom for all of us. Today, graves of soldiers stand decorated with flags, flowers, love and respect for the contribution in bringing freedom to America and protecting that freedom. My gratitude pours forth for all who gave their lives, the families who gave their sons and daughters and those who still stand vigilant. I will remember, Freedom is never free.
Memorial Day Tribute-a prayer
Dear God, We thank you for the freedom you have given to us, and for the price that was paid by Christ so that we could live free. We remember today. The cost of it all. The great sacrifice for freedom.
We thank you for the brave men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, so courageously for our nation. We ask for your covering and blessing over them and their families. We pray that you would be gracious and encircle them with your peace. We pray for your great favor and goodness to be evident in their lives.
Please be with all those who wear the uniform, who serve our communities and nation every single day. We ask that you provide your protection, that you would be their guiding force who leads the way, and their rear guard who keeps them safe from behind. We ask that you would draw them to yourself amidst the dangers they face in a dark world, for you are the Truth, you are the Way, you are the Light.
Prayer taken from Crosswalk article: 7 Inspiring Memorial Day Prayers for Honor and Remembrance, published 27 May 2021, contributed by Debbie McDaniels
