A Modern Woman's Perspective On The Kingdom of God on Earth


June 9, 2012

Saturday Morning Commentary: Oh, How Easily We Forget!

     This past Wednesday, I would venture to say that most Americans went about their day unaware of the magnitude of what happened just 68 years ago.  I say "just" 68 years, because in the scope of world history, that is a very small amount of time.  It certainly warrants our recognition and understanding of what happened on June 6, 1944.
     Matthew Weidner, a civil litigator from Florida, wrote one of the best blog posts I have ever read, and I would like to share it with you.  If you have been reading my posts for awhile, you know that I am an unabashed lover of American history, and a passionate believer in the goodness of this country.  Mr. Weidner has expressed far better than I could, the significance of that momentous day, and why we should be ashamed at our lack of knowledge and awareness.   I would like to share a portion of his post:


    June 6, 1944, 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full victory.” More than 5,000 Ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day’s end on June 6, the Allies gained a foot- hold in Normandy. The D-Day cost was high -more than 9,000 Allied Soldiers were killed or wounded — but more than 100,000 Soldiers began the march across Europe to defeat Hitler.
     Our grandfathers and grandmothers were the toughest, most principled human beings that walked this planet.  The bravery and strength they showed is what gave this country the prosperity we have today.
     They sent their meager paychecks home, they liberated millions of people from Hitler’s madness, they went home but were sent off to fight again in the Pacific.
     They spent the rest of their lives working and saving. Creating and providing for their families and future generations.  Because of their effort, our parents and us experienced wealth and comfort the likes of which a population of humans had never seen.  We lived in prosperity, this nation had wealth and resources in surplus.  Corporations and real leaders were held accountable, and they respected and honored that trust….otherwise they suffered consequences….the Hellhound of Wallstreet.
     But just as quickly as it was all stored away and just as hard as they worked, our government, conspiring with corporate interests raided and pilfered and stole, made a mockery of all that they fought for.  Today our nation is in the most grave peril, we are disastrously weak. Our government is a model of corruption, graft, greed and, increasingly, marked by fascism and brutal repression of the freedoms for which our grandparents spilled their blood, in order to ensure our legacy.
     We should all muster one tenth of the courage and one tenth of the commitment, dedication and effort that our grandparents showed. No whining about how hard you’ve got it.  No giving in or quitting because, “It’s too hard!” No complaining when things don’t work the first 200 times....

     I wanted you to read this because I wanted you to see the stark contrast between the hope and opportunity they fought and sacrificed for, and how we have disparaged their legacy.  It's a sad thing to say, but I almost feel as if we don't deserve to keep what's been handed down.  I mean, as a culture, we don't even identify with that generation anymore!
     We have radio talk show hosts calling our National Anthem "an abomination"; "Home of the Brave? Land of the Free?" he dares to ask. "Are we the only brave people on the planet?" He obviously doesn't know the history of the song, OR the history of this country.  WE MOST CERTAINLY ARE THE HOME OF THE BRAVE!  There are rows and rows and rows of white crosses at a cemetery in Normandy, France to prove it!  Show me any other nation on earth who has ever answered the call like Americans!  We know and value freedom, and will sacrifice our own in order for another to experience the God-given liberties we have enjoyed.
     But like Mr. Weidner, I think we have squandered our heritage and made a mockery of it.  We have lost our way and now we are fighting the Enemy; the one who wishes to destroy the nation that God helped form.  I'd like to borrow a couple of sentences from a speech given by Allied Commander, Dwight D. Eisenhower.  They are part of a short speech he made on the eve of that crucial invasion on the far-off shores of France.  And while he may have been speaking to young, terrified, yet exceedingly brave American men, his words could be used to muster us for the battle that lies ahead of us.  


"Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened, he will fight savagely."



I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!



"Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."

     Yes, our Enemy is well-equipped and he will fight savagely.  But as a Christian and an American, I know where my allegiance lies, and from where my power comes.  It may look bleak now, but I know we have it in us to answer the call.  And you better believe that I am praying for all the blessings God will grant!


Amos 8:7      The Lord has sworn by himself, the Pride of Jacob: "I will never forget anything they have done."
 

2 comments:

  1. Thank you for posting BR.
    My grandfather was in the landing at D-Day and I had my flag up, I doubt that anyone knew about it here where I live.
    Hold Fast

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    Replies
    1. Bless you for honoring his memory and the thousands that died that day. We must never forget them!

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