Remembering Heroes
One of the most memorable and striking images that I can recall from childhood are the many homes that were lined with photos of relatives in military uniforms that adorned the entryways of the homes of friends and acquaintances. In some cases, the individuals in the photographs were deceased, some killed in action while others had died many years after returning home. Because the photos were often hung above eye-level, observing the pictures almost always seemed to be accompanied by admiring glances. The colorful ribbons and medals seemed to daring displays of courage.
With each passing year, the numbers of those who participate in the armed forces continues to decrease. Admiration is often extended to those who managed to avoid military service. The stories of bravery that may have been shared with family and the accolades received from colleagues are are rarely shared anymore. The collective grandeur of the cause for which so many were willing the fight and die is almost forgotten completely. The goal of peace was so laudable, that many willingly left their families and risked their lives—all for the goal of peace.
Veterans Day evolved from the desire to forever remember the day in which several countries to sign the armistice agreement at 11:00, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month. For this reason, Armistice Day marked the end of World War I. There are no surviving soldiers from WW I and there are few surviving veterans from WW II. Those who serve in the armed services are dedicated to the cause of peace and they deserve to be remembered.
Sunday, November 10, we will remember and honor the service of women and men who currently serve or have served at any time in a branch of the armed services. Raymond Weeks is credited with expanding and renaming Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Some countries refer to the annual recognition of those who’ve served as Remembrance Day. During the tribute, an arrangement of the song “America, the Beautiful” sung by Ray Charles will be played. The lyrics were written by Katharine Lee Bates and the tune was written by an Episcopal organist and choirmaster name Samuel A. Ward. According to author Andy Pease, Bates and Ward never met.
Ray Charles’ recording of “America the Beautiful” changed the order of the verses to focus upon the individuals who sacrificed and served. The original title of America, the Beautiful” was “Pikes Peak” to highlight the spectacular view and the majesty of the mountaintops in Colorado. The original tune for “America, the Beautiful” was “O Mother Dear, Jerusalem.” Ray Charles’ arrangement herald to key ideals: (1) the heroes are honored because of the purpose of the strife—liberation; and (2) heroes loved their country more than even themselves and they loved mercy more than life!
The sacrifices of some who have served may never be known. However, because of their willingness to risk their lives, many of us experience a type of freedom that otherwise would have been denied. Jesus explained to the disciples the two greatest commandments ‘Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, mind, soul and strength’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Matthew 22:34-40).
The poignancy of the lyrics of “America, the Beautiful” parallels the power of the lyrics of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” by Julia Ward Howe—“as he died to make [humanity] holy, let us live to make [humanity] free’—glory, glory hallelujah!
Don’t overlook the importance and the benefit of regularly sharing the details of the heroic efforts of loved ones, as well as the accomplishments of those who are lesser known. We pray that these examples will inspire us all to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
