Today we stop to honor our veterans – those who have stood up to protect and defend our nation. Yesterday, we were invited into the military world as the soldiers and the families of Fort Hood gathered together to mourn the loss of 13 men and women who were murdered by a fellow soldier who, as we are learning, embraced the extremist views of radical Islam. As we witnessed the memorial service on the television, radio, or internet we were reminded of the dangers our soldiers face every day. Before last week’s attack, we could not imagine that our troops would be in danger here in the U.S. But, we now know that they face enemies even at home. From the words and images that were broadcast to us from yesterday’s service, it is evident that this new reality seems to bring the men and women of our military closer and, in turn, makes them stronger, more determined.
During yesterday’s memorial service, a powerful verse from Isaiah was read: “Then I heard the voice of God saying, ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8) At the end of the service, the powerful roll call took place. The names of soldiers were called out. Those present called out that they were “here”. When the names of the murdered soldiers were called out – there was silence. But, in that silence, you could almost hear the voice of another soldier, standing up and reciting words similar to those of Isaiah: “Here am I! Send me! Send me in their place! It will be my honor!”
The soldiers of Fort Hood and the men and women of our military who are spread out all over the world are continuing the bravery, selflessness, and honor that epitomize the members of our armed forces. Many of you have served in the military or have loved ones who served. Today, we thank each of you, all of our veterans, for all that you have given to make our country stronger.
Veterans’ Day has become a day off from school and a day for sales and bargains. Hopefully, the tragedy at Fort Hood has forced us to refocus and reconsider what this day is all about. Those who put everything on the line to preserve all that we hold dear deserve our thanks and praise. Take the time today to reach out to a veteran and thank him or her. If they can say “Send me!” the least we can do is say “Thank you!”.
3 Comments
Will you teach a class about Isaiah? I always hear him quoted and he sounds really wise.
that is a great idea…have to figure out how we turn it into class, but why not? keep on me about this….
As always- your words are so perfect and on track! the Ft. Hood situation is an embarassment to our military. How sad for our soldiers to have to fear even their own. My sister went to pay a call to a mom of one of those soldiers who was killed that day. The young man had just returned from 18 months deployed and was at Ft. Hood awaiting his transfer to his next base. He was only supposed to be there for about 3 weeks and then home for a quick visit to his wife and his 13 yr. old child. My dad served in WWII, my brothers and nephews have almost all served in our military- my nephew just home from Iraq. What a sad statement for our country that our “veterans day” has turned out to be a day “off” and shopping. When it should be about our soldiers, our country and our freedom. Thanks for always writing so eloquently and so true to the heart.