Memories

We have a special time of thanks for this nation that God has blessed us with. For all of our Veterans who have fought in wars and provided the freedom that we have. Were it not for their sacrifice and giving of themselves. There are many in our congregation right here that have sacrificed over and over again and still sacrificing today because of the things that they gave of themselves for this country. And I just wish that we would make this a special time of thanks and appreciation for God putting us in the place that we are here in America and giving us courageous faithful people that have gone, whether they be men or women, that have gone into service and provided the freedoms that we have today. Let us not take them for granted, but let us realize that our freedom here this morning was bought with a great price. And that many have died and some are still living with conflicts and difficulties because of the things that they gave for our freedoms. And lets thank God for that today.

Prayer: Our Father in our way today we just bow to give You thanks for America, for all this nation has meant for each one of us, and for the way that You have blessed us. When we go travel abroad, when we leave this land and go to other places it’s very obvious that You have been blessing us over and over again, and so many people in this country have never seen the difference and don’t realize how You have blessed us and how good You are to us, and how many freedoms are ours today. We thank You for the courage of these that have gone to suffer and give themselves and die and whatever they had to do to preserve our freedoms. We realize it was with a great price that many people have given, and we just go back and remember those in our own families that died in battle and were really sacrificed that we might have freedoms today. I pray that we will be conscious of this and that we’ll not take these things for granted, but realize that if it was necessary for other people to die and to be wounded and have difficulties to live with , well certainly we could give what we’re able to give to preserve our freedoms. Let us realize at this time of year that You have blessed us so much and may we realize in the Word of God that we must find ourselves as free men, in Christ, to live out these things that are so good for us today and such a blessing to us. Is Our Prayer In Jesus Name. Amen.



This is an article that was published by Patrick Camunes in the Bikers Magazine Supplemental........ RUN FOR THE WALL-1998
"There are so many things that are written about the Wall, but never anything of being on the other side. I was inspired by the picture Reflections that I use as wallpaper on my PC, and a recent story, Autumn Wall."
At first there was no place for us to go until someone put up that Black Granite Wall. Now, every day and night, my brothers and my sisters wait to see the many people from places afar file in front of this Wall. Many stopping briefly and many for hours and some that come on a regular basis. It was hard at first, not that it's gotten any easier, but it seems that many of the attitudes toward that war that we were involved in have changed. I can only pray that the ones on the other side have learned something and more Walls like this one needn't be built.
Several members of my unit and many that I did not recognize have called me to the Wall by touching my name that is engraved upon it. The tears aren't necessary, but are hard even for me to hold back. Don't feel guilty for not being with me, my brothers. This was my destiny as it is yours, to be on that side of the Wall.
Touch the Wall, my brothers, so that we can share in the memories that we had. I have learned to put the bad memories aside and remember only the pleasant ones that we had together. Tell our other brothers out there to come and visit me, not to say good bye but to say hello and be together again, even for a short time and to ease that pain of loss that we all share.
Today, an irresistible and loving call comes from the Wall. As I approach I can see an elderly lady and as I get closer I recognize her.....It's Momma! As much as I have looked forward to this day, I have also regretted it because I didn't know what reaction I would have.
Next to her, I suddenly see my wife and immediately think how hard it must have been for her to come to this place. My mind floods with the pleasant memories of 30 years past. There's a young man in a military uniform standing with his arm around her.....My God!.....It's.....it has to be my son! Look at him trying to be the man without a tear in his eye. I yearn to tell him how proud I am, seeing him standing tall, straight and proud in his uniform.
Momma comes closer and touches the Wall and I feel the soft and gentle touch I had not felt in so many years. Dad has crossed to this side of the Wall, and through our touch I try to convey to her that Dad is doing fine and is no longer suffering or feeling pain. I see my wife's courage building as she sees Momma touch the Wall, and she approaches and lays her hand on my waiting hand. All the emotions, feelings and memories of three decades past flash between our touch and I tell her that it's alright. Carry on with your life and don't worry about me.....I can see as I look into her eyes that she hears and understands me, and a big burden has been lifted from her.
I watch as they lay flowers and other memories of my past. There is my lucky charm that was taken from me and sent to her by my CO, a tattered and worn teddy bear that I can barely remember having as I grew up as a child, and several medals that I had earned and were presented to my wife. One of them is the Combat Infantry Badge that I am very proud of, and I notice that my son is also wearing this medal. I had earned mine in the jungles of Vietnam, and he had probably earned his in the deserts of Iraq.
I can tell that they are preparing to leave and I try to take a mental picture of them together, because I don't know when I will see them again. I wouldn't blame them if they were not to return and can only thank them that I was not forgotten. My wife and Momma come near the Wall for one final touch and so many years of indecision, fear and sorrow are let go. As they turn to leave I feel my tears, that had not flowed for so many years, form as if dew drops on the other side of the Wall.
They slowly move away with only a glance over their shoulders. My son suddenly stops and slowly returns. He stands straight and proud in front of me and snaps a salute. Something makes him move to the Wall. He puts his hand upon it and touches my tears that had formed on the face of the Wall and I can tell that he senses my presence there and the pride and the love that I have for him. He falls to his knees and the tears flow from his eyes and I try my best to reassure him that it's alright and the tears do not make him any less of a man.
As he moves back wiping the tears from his eyes he silently mouths, God Bless you, Dad.....God Bless, YOU, Son.....We WILL meet someday but in the meanwhile, go on your way.....There is no hurry.....There is no hurry at all.
As I see them walk off in the distance, I yell out to THEM and EVERYONE there today, as loud as I can...THANKS FOR REMEMBERING, and as others on this side of the Wall join in, I notice that the U.S. flag that so proudly flies in front of us everyday is flapping and standing proudly straight out in the wind today.....THANK YOU ALL FOR REMEMBERING.....


International Hall of Honor


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