Heroes!

Greater love has no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

During the American Civil War, a certain man had a son who enlisted in the Union Army. The father was a banker, and although he gave his consent to his son, it seemed as if it would break his heart to let him go.

Once his son had left, he became deeply interested in the plight of soldiers, and whenever he saw one in uniform, his heart went out to him as he thought of his own dear boy. Often to the neglect of his business, he began spending his time and money to care for the soldiers who came home disabled. His friends pleaded with him not to neglect his business in this way, by spending so much time and energy on the soldiers. So, he decided to give it all up and take his friend’s advice.

After he made this decision, however, a young private in a faded, worn uniform stepped into the bank. It was easy to discern from the wounds on his face and hands that he had been in the Army field hospital. The poor young man was fumbling in his pocket to find something when the banker saw him.

Perceiving his purpose for coming into the bank, he said to the solider, “My dear young man, I cannot help you today. I am extremely busy. You will have to go to the Army headquarters where the officers will take care of you.

The poor wounded soldier still stood there not seeming to fully understand what was being said to him. He continued to fumble in his pockets and finally pulled out a scrap of dirty paper. He laid the filthy page before the banker who read the following words written in pencil:
“Dear Father, This is one of my friends who was wounded in the last battle, and he is coming to you directly from the hospital. Please receive him as you would me.” Charlie

All the banker’s previous resolve to focus solely on his business instead of soldiers quickly flew away. He took the young man to his own magnificent home and gave him Charlie’s room and seat at the dinner table. He cared for him until the food, rest, and love returned him to health.. The young soldier then went back to his place of service to again risk his life for his cause. Copied

This story hits home with me on this Veteran’s Day as I contemplate all the men and women who have served their country and those who have given their lives for all of us. If we aren’t reminded, it is easy for those of us who have never experienced war to dismiss it as just a holiday.

We Americans love to watch war movies whether it be ones such as, The Dirty Dozen, Saving Private Ryan, The Great Escape, or countless others. These movies inspire us because we love to recount the great events and revel in victory over insurmountable odds. We love heroes! We shouldn’t honor our Veterans only once a year, but rather, every day because they are all heroes. How can we honor them better?

First, remember the price of freedom! Our veterans didn’t fight for the sake of killing, for money, or for rewards. They fought for the cause – for freedom, and that is never free! Just as David single handedly fought Goliath for His God, these veterans paid the ultimate price for their country and fellow man.

Next, honor them by learning from their example. These veterans were not afraid to take a stand and never ran from a battle. As men and women of God, we need to have a policy – no retreat, no regrets. We serve our Lord faithfully.

Finally, we need to honor our veterans by praying for all those men and women today who are in harm’s way. We know that God answers prayers, so we need to ask God for His help in protecting those who fight to protect us.

We thank God for our veterans, and we remember them for their service, their bravery, and their courage. God bless you all, and thank you!