Honoring the preservers of liberty, or not

I was watching the movie "Midway" yesterday evening. Six months after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, they were trying to set a trap for the US Navy and destroy it. The American commanders actually set a trap of their own and the highly outnumbered US forces won a decisive victory. I am always humbled by the selfless and heroic efforts made by that fantastic generation of World War II. They sacrificed their lives for something they believed was bigger than them. They knew the value of family; the power of God; and that what was good about life and liberty was foundational to being an American, and it was worth fighting for. They were defined by their courage and character, their dedication to what was right and good.

For me, Memorial Day was always a solemn day first, and a day of great celebration second. Growing up, our 4-H horse club always participated in the Memorial Day Parade that wound through Rootstown, Ohio and ended up at the cemetery. There, we faced the graves of those who served their country, many who died that we might live free. Our horses were to stand at attention, and we were to sit on them, also at attention, our hats removed, as the speakers honored America's finest. Afterwards, we would load up the horses and head back to the farm, where we had a cookout, usually with Warren and Sue McCarthy, Gene and Betty Flynn, Bob and Doris Harris and their families.

Warren and Gene served on D-Day. They survived it. And they were decorated war heros. Not much of what they did was ever discussed. But you somehow knew that they were special. My dad, who was a farmer during the war, was best friends with these men. He knew what went on, but would never say. They were among the finest men I knew growing up. My uncle Bob Harris served in the Philippines. There were times when he had flashbacks. My dad would get a call from my aunt and he would find Uncle Bob, talk him down and hold him until the terror passed. He, too, was a decorated hero. All these men knew the price of freedom and they understood their civic duty to their families, their God and their country.

Fast forward to today. Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton all openly paid respect to America's servicemen and women on Memorial Days. Former President George W. Bush honored and respected our servicemen every day of his two terms. For example, he gave up the game of golf early in his presidency out of respect for the families of those who gave their lives for our nation. The current president, however, shows no such respect. He has golfed 70 times during his presidency, every weekend for the past nine weeks, and rushed to play golf on Memorial Day after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Jesus said in Matthew 7:20, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Enough said.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day! 

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