Memorial Day Reflection

As Memorial Day approaches I hope many Americans will reflect on the meaning of the holiday. "The Last full measure of devotion" so eloquently framed by Abraham Lincoln speaks volumes about duty, honor and sacrifice.  Many have perished in defense of the United States; they didn't give their lives for the Republic, freedom or liberty but for those on their left and on their right. The Bible says, "greater love have no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (Jo 15:13 NASB)

However, it is fitting to ponder, why they did give their lives.  I doubt they gave their lives so that liberties in America would slowly erode until all Americans were suspected terrorists until proven otherwise. I doubt they gave their lives so that international and sharia law would be heard and considered in American courts. I doubt they gave their lives so Washington D.C. could recklessly spend money until the National Debt became the number one National Security issue.



Throughout this weekend please reflect on Memorial Day and its importance. If you know someone whose loved one has passed away in defense of America please pray for them; they have sacrificed much. I guarantee their reflection will be profound, meaningful and likely filled with saddness, anger and even joy this weekend.


The optomist in me believes that barbeques over the weekend will involve conversation about those who have given all. The pessimist in me believes that barbeques over the weekend will involve conversation about the winner of American Idol and whether or not the NFL will start on time next season.


Below is the citation of Cpl Jason Dunham who gave his life for his friends.

 

The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to

*Dunham, Jason L.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and Date: Karabilah, Iraq, 14 April 2004. Entered Service at: Scio, New York. Born: 10 November 1981, Scio, New YorkCitation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Rifle Squad Leader, 4th Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, First Marine Division (Reinforced), on 14 April 2004. Corporal Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in the town of Karabilah, Iraq, when they heard rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire erupt approximately two kilometers to the west. Corporal Dunham led his Combined Anti-Armor Team towards the engagement to provide fire support to their Battalion Commander's convoy, which had been ambushed as it was traveling to Camp Husaybah. As Corporal Dunham and his Marines advanced, they quickly began to receive enemy fire. Corporal Dunham ordered his squad to dismount their vehicles and led one of his fire teams on foot several blocks south of the ambushed convoy. Discovering seven Iraqi vehicles in a column attempting to depart, Corporal Dunham and his team stopped the vehicles to search them for weapons. As they approached the vehicles, an insurgent leaped out and attacked Corporal Dunham. Corporal Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground and in the ensuing struggle saw the insurgent release a grenade. Corporal Dunham immediately alerted his fellow Marines to the threat. Aware of the imminent danger and without hesitation, Corporal Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines from the blast. In an ultimate and selfless act of bravery in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of at least two fellow Marines. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Dunham gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.