In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words:
"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
If you read my blog regularly, you’ll know that this year God surprised me with a new friendship with a veteran who is making a HUGE impact in our community.
A few weeks back, I had the honor of sharing a long lunch with Judge Bob Miller. I asked him to honor me by telling me the story of his service in the military. By the time Judge Miller finished, I recognized I was in a holy moment. His story marked me. More than that, his story is now shaping mine.
Today I offer him my gratitude, respect, and honor.
Judge,
I wanted to thank you for the lunch, but most of all your example. As your story unfolded, I felt humbled and grateful to call you a partner and friend. I have read extensively about WW2 and watched many documentaries. None of that compares to being in the presence of a vet as they tell their story. I have a growing sense of debt to your generation. We stand on your shoulders. Your sacrifice pushed back the night that was sweeping the world. You paid the price. It was a costly sacrifice. You paid that price with your own blood. Near the end of our conversation you said, “Shedding blood for my country was the greatest thing that ever happened to me.”
I will not forget those words. They are etched on my heart.
The character that was forged in you while you faced the furnace of the Depression and WW2 is sorely lacking in our current culture. That character carried our nation through those perilous moments, when our very future was at stake. My hope is that in my vocation God will use me to facilitate that kind of character transformation in the lives of men and woman all over this community and around the world.
Gratefully Yours,
Rob
If you know a vet, please take the time today to look them in the eyes and thank them.
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