Uncategorized

In Memory of the Fallen

Elihu

 

img_4948

In a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

– Abraham Lincoln, an excerpt from his Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863

Today, in the United States of America, we remember the fallen.

We remember those who gave their lives and livelihoods to see this nation born.

We remember those who fought to preserve the union and free the oppressed.

We remember those who travelled to far distant lands in defiance of tyranny.

Our freedom came at a high price. If we do not preserve this liberty, all our platitudes on days like today are meaningless. Today we remember the fallen, but every other day should be dedicated to upholding the freedom they died to protect.

The Lord raises up nations and He removes nations. We are not exempt from the disease of deterioration, nor should we believe we are invincible. It is the job of each generation to remember the cost of freedom and uphold it in the way they vote, live, and work.

Remember the fallen today. Honor their sacrifice everyday. Glorify God always.

Published by Elihu

Elihu Anderson is a California refugee currently thriving on the West Texas plains. She is the founder of elihuscorner.com and is a contributor to Kirk Cameron's website TheCourage.com. When she isn't writing, reading, or teaching, she is sipping on some iced homemade chai and enjoying time with a good friend. Come by and say hi at elihuscorner.com or visit me on Facebook.com/elihuscorner

6 thoughts on “In Memory of the Fallen”

  1. Reblogged this on A Blog About Healing From PTSD and commented:
    Yesterday in church, when our pastor spoke in remembrance of those who gave their lives in service to their country, my husband, a US Marine Corps combat veteran of the war in Vietnam, bowed his head and shook with sobs.

    I wanted to write a post for Memorial Day, but I can’t find the words to express what I am feeling so intensely. So I am reblogging Elihu’s wonderful post.

    God bless.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Linda. There aren’t really words. The story is in the eyes of those who watched their friends fall. My father is a Vietnam Army Vet. Of all the conflicts we’ve faced, I believe that one has the deepest wounds—not only did they suffer trauma and loss, nobody treated them kindly when they got home. 😕

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. Yes, you are exactly right. For years, before becoming a Christian, my husband lied and told people that he went to Canada to avoid the draft, rather than admit he was a Marine and fought in Vietnam. How sad is that? He was just a kid, barely out of high school.

        Like

  2. I had the privilege of working as a training GM for Applebee’s for several years. One of the highlights of my year was Veterans Day and honoring all our military. One of the Vietnam Veterans grandson was in high school band and came and played taps for us four times on Veterans Day. His grandfather was there each time. One gentleman who was also a Vietnam Veteran said this really meant so much to him because he never felt like anybody cared for them when they came home. Thank you for your wisdom and your post.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you for sharing such an awesome story! And yes, I think Vietnam Vets have definitely been abused. When my friends started going off to Iraq and Afghanistan, I worried they would receive the same disdainful treatment. They have received better than the Vietnam Vets did, but I still think our country has room for improvement. I am thankful for people like you and so many others who make it a point to honor those who served and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I hope you can check out my blog today! The Lord poured that poem out this morning during my prayer time. Our country must continue progressing. It is foolish to believe that it can be done with a fight. Our soldiers are heroes and champions. I have many Veterans in my family and 3 nephews in the Army as we speak. God Bless the USA!

        Like

Leave a comment