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Memorial Day Reflections
June 1, 2010
Pastor Bob Nienhuis
 
Memorial Day Reflections
June 1, 2010
I’ve worn a few uniforms in my day.
I’ve worn the uniform of a Boy Scout and also an Explorer Scout.
I’ve worn Little League baseball uniforms and I’ve worn a variety of band uniforms.
I’ve worn the uniform of a marching band Drum Major, complete with the tall bearskin hat and long baton.
I’ve worn basketball team uniforms and I’ve worn the uniform of the basketball official.
But one uniform that I’ve never worn is that of the United States military.
As a young man growing up in the 60s, I duly registered for the draft. Then, as the conflict in Vietnam escalated, I waited to see where my birth date fell in the draft.
It was a low number, Number 66, as I recall. But I was a college student so I was granted an education deferral. Then, when I graduated from college, I was serving with Youth For Christ so I was given a ministerial deferral. I was never ‘called up.’
But, while I’ve never served in the military, I have a deep appreciation for those who have served our country in this way.
I remember my first visit to the Arlington Memorial Cemetery in Washington, D.C. My eyes could not take it all in.
Row upon row of white crosses. All of them standing guard over the grave of a person who served in our military. Many of them noting a person who died defending our freedoms.
I stood silently at the Tomb of the Unknowns, a tribute to the many who died but could not be identified, and watched as the guards paced silently and solemnly back and forth in front of that tomb.
Later, I walked the Washington Mall, pausing before the Vietnam Memorial where I read the names of several young men I knew who had died in that war. It was, to say the least, sobering.
Today, and every day, you and I enjoy a freedom that has come at a price. In the 200 plus years since our country was founded, thousands of men and women gave their lives so that we can be free.
It is easy to take our freedom for granted because, for most of us, it’s the only way of life we’ve known. We sometimes don’t appreciate the freedoms we enjoy and the cost others have paid to preserve those freedoms.
It has been said that we are the land of the free because we are the home of the brave.
If you know someone who has lost a spouse, a son or daughter, a mother or father in defense of our country and our freedoms, tell that person thanks.
Today, I say “thank you” to all who have worn the uniform of the United States military. And a special thank you for those who have paid the ultimate price. Your sacrifice is greatly appreciated.
Gratefully,
Pastor Bob
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