The Fallen Soldiers Table—Remember the past because of the future.
Memorial Day has more significance for our future than our past. We must remember the tragedies and their reasons, as neglecting to do so could have dire consequences.
As we observe Memorial Day weekend, we pay tribute to the brave women and men who have sacrificed their lives to serve our nation, even those whose names remain unknown and unheralded. While soldiers follow orders and directives, it's worth noting that Jesus only issued two commands in the Bible, with the second being the ultimate sacrifice these fallen heroes obeyed.
While there is no comparison between the sacrifice that Christ made for us and the sacrifices made by our veterans, there are valuable lessons we can learn from their bravery that we can apply to our Christian lives. I have been honored to witness incredible acts of bravery from young soldiers throughout my life. I served for over 28 years in the Army and spent numerous days in places like Baghdad, the DMZ in Korea, and in Eastern European countries. As a child, I aspired to be a Soldier and often listened to my grandfathers, who were both WWII veterans, tell stories about their time in the Army. I recall a family reunion on Memorial Day Weekend where the WWII veterans would gather to talk seriously about their experiences. I would quietly listen as a fly on the wall and wonder how they could be so brave for their country.
Many families in America today mourn Memorial Day because one seat is empty at their table. This could be a Mother, Father, Spouse, Child, or Friend. Every year at the Church that I Pastor, on Memorial Day Sunday, we remember our fallen heroes with a Fallen Heroes Table. As I set up that Fallen Soldiers Table every year, the question always comes back to me why? Why do these young men and women make these incredible sacrifices? I continually ask that question in my mind every year on Memorial Day.
One comparison that comes to mind when considering Christianity is the dedication to a higher purpose, much like a veteran's service. Many individuals, driven by patriotic reasons, enlist or feel called to serve this higher purpose. The iconic imagery of Norman Rockwell’s paintings, apple pie, and baseball evoke patriotism. Although the idea of dying for one's country to ensure freedom may seem absurd upon reflection, there is a valid reason why some are willing to make that ultimate sacrifice.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31
Amid intense combat, a Soldier's thoughts often turn to their fellow Soldier - their battle buddy and neighbor. The bond between them is powerful, driven by a deep sense of duty and service to a higher calling - the well-being of their fellow human beings. This bond drives Soldiers to acts of incredible bravery, all in service to the greatest commandment: to love their neighbor as themselves. On Memorial Day, we honor these men and women who have forged unbreakable bonds through sacrifice, service, and calling. These bonds are hard to replicate anywhere. Those bonds are what drive the empty chair at the Fallen Soldiers Table! The bonds of the brotherhood!
Although we may see glimpses of it in sports or the workplace, the experiences of bravery that come with serving in the military are truly unparalleled. These servicemen and women often face exhaustion, hunger, fear, and separation from their loved ones, relying solely on their bond with their fellow Soldiers and their faith in Jesus. Such bonds cannot be replicated outside of combat. Additionally, there is the intense adrenaline rush that comes with combat. Veterans struggle with the loss of their comrades and the traumatic experiences they witness, which can stay with them for years. However, the most challenging aspect, particularly for combat veterans, is the sheer rush of adrenaline. Upon returning home, they find it difficult to adjust to everyday life as they can never again replicate that same high. They miss the sense of duty, the camaraderie, the feeling of being truly alive, and the bonds of the brotherhood. You see, when Jesus gives us that second commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
Jesus is not just saying: seek for your neighbor the same things you seek for yourself but also seek them in the same way—the same zeal and energy and creativity and perseverance—the same life and death commitment when you are in danger. Make your own self-seeking the measure of your self-giving. Measure your pursuit of the happiness of others and what it should be by the pursuit of your own. How do you pursue your well-being? Pursue your neighbor's well-being that way too.
The remarkable thing about this accomplishment is that it goes against the self-centered nature of our current society. Most who make the ultimate sacrifice are not concerned with someone's skin color, place of origin, nationality, or political party. They share a unique camaraderie formed by serving together in a unit.
No Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”John 15:13
Love, in its purest form, is a selfless act that seeks the highest good of others. This is the kind of love that Jesus exemplified and taught His followers to emulate, as opposed to the selfish love that prevails in the world. It is a love that is difficult to define because it reflects the perfect love that characterizes God.
It's important to understand that veterans often struggle with the loss of their fellow soldiers and witness traumatic events that are difficult to put into words. These memories can stay with them for a prolonged period. However, the intense adrenaline rush is the most challenging aspect of combat for many veterans. After returning home can be challenging to readjust to everyday life because they can't replicate that same high. They miss the strong bonds, a remarkable sense of duty, and the feeling of being fully alive that came with being in combat. Unfortunately, many are taking their lives today because they cannot cope with the realities they lived in combat.
Remember that on Memorial Day as you raise your glass during your barbeque. There is a seat that is missing at America’s Table. Remembering is not for the past but for America’s future. Remember the future “America.” Reflect on the immense gratitude owed to those who sacrificed their lives for the survival of our nation. Let us also remember the past atrocities so that we do not repeat them in the future. Memorial Day is a significant national holiday beyond just beer and barbeque. It is a reminder of the tremendous price paid by some to uphold the unparalleled religious and civil liberties that Americans often take for granted.
As Americans, it is essential to recognize that Memorial Day has more significance for our future than it does for our past. We must remember the tragedies and their reasons, as neglecting to do so could have dire consequences. The future of the United States heavily relies on our ability to collectively remember and value the concept of freedom and the atrocities of oppression. Refraining from paying to do so comes at a significant cost. As George Santayana famously stated, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
Notes:
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/remember
https://www.fallensoldiertable.org/