Let's Never Forget!

“Memorial Day” is a special day designated to remember some very special people.  It was originally called “Decoration day,” and set aside as a means of honoring those who paid the ultimate price in service for our country.  For many however, it is just another holiday, the unofficial beginning of summer, parades, or another long weekend from work.  It does give us an opportunity to spend time with our family and friends and celebrate the freedom we have; however, it is far more.  It is a day to remember those who gave their all and for the families who paid a tremendous price to obtain and protect our freedom.  It also gives us opportunity to say thanks to the ones who served and is now serving in the armed services of our great country.  We must never forget!

Recently, while walking down the street, proudly wearing my “U.S. Army” hat, a young girl, approximately ten years old came up to me, reached out to shake my hand and said, “Thank you sir for serving.”  Tears came to my eyes as I once again felt the same pride as I had when privileged to wear the uniform, some fifty years ago.  I also remembered some of the close acquaintances with whom I also served but paid a far greater sacrifice. 

Most of us have known one who served in Armed Services and paid the ultimate price.  Allow me to share with you one that served proudly and bravely; his name was Captain Johnnie P. Sawyer.  He was from Conway, SC and we became friends in 1958 while serving in New Jersey and served another two years together in Germany.  He reenlisted in 1961 and went on to become an officer and pilot.  He was the pilot of a fixed wing plane when it went down in Viet Nam on June 10, 1966 leaving a young mother and two small children, other relatives and many friends.  He was so proud of his accomplishments in the Army and so were all his friends.  Words are not sufficient to define the man that Johnnie was and his commitment to our country.   He was a man of integrity, honesty, dedication, commitment, trust and compassion.  His core values were so strongly implanted into his life that one could never doubt his position.  He refused to compromise the core values of his faith.  I can truly say that I am a better person today because of my friend, Johnnie P. Sawyer.  So today, I stand at attention and salute Johnnie and those who gave all for our freedom.  Once again, I pledge to renew my commitment to the freedom for which they fought and for which they died.  The Scripture speaks of us being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, cheering us on to victory.  I believe when Johnnie’s plane went down, he accepted a higher commission as a part of the crowd in Heaven cheering us on as he heard the words, “'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!'[1]

One has said of these heroes, “They hover as a cloud of witnesses above this Nation.”[2]  So join with me today and sing,

“And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.”[3]

So as we observe Memorial Day, let us remember that is was because of a tremendous price that we have freedom.  Many people in the world would like to take it away but let us stand tall and sound the alarm from the highest mountain that we will not allow the tremendous sacrifices of millions of young men and women to be in vain.  Let us lift our voices as loudly as we can and proclaim, “Let Freedom Ring!”  We as Americans enjoy the freedom that we have because someone has paid the price for that freedom – freedom is not free; it is not a given; and let us never take it for granted.  Let us commit again today that we will not allow their sacrifice be in vain.

May God Bless these United States of America!
“No one has greater love than this – that one would lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

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[1] Matt 25:23 NLT

[2] Henry Ward Beecher

[3] Lee Greenwood