Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen! -II Samuel 18:19
A few days ago I was watching the local news and at the end of the broadcast they showed some pictures of soldiers from our region who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. About that time my teenage son walked into the room and asked me what I was watching. I explained to him about the pictures of the soldiers, and as the faces continued to flash across the screen we both fell into a reverent silence. Neither of us was aware that there were so many. I knew that a number of soldiers from our area have lost their lives in recent years, but I honestly did not realize the number was so high. A deep sense of awe settled upon me as I looked upon those faces.
The brave men who fought and died for our country were sons, fathers, husbands, and brothers. They came from all walks of life, but they all shared a common belief: They felt so strongly about the freedoms we hold dear that they were willing to place themselves in harm’s way to defend these precious freedoms. Sadly, those freedoms men such as these have fought and died for we are guilty of sometimes taking for granted.
After a number of Israelite soldiers were killed in battle, King David declared that a lament be sang in their honor. “How the mighty have fallen!” they sang. They remembered with great reverence the ultimate sacrifice that their comrades and countrymen had made on their behalf.
Today, let us not forget the ultimate sacrifice that so many have made in defense of our great nation. They indeed were the mighty – the best America had to offer. They gave their lives in defense of freedom. Recall them with the honor and dignity they deserve. They have fallen in battle, but their sacrifices were not in vain.
Remember to thank God today for the bravery and heroism of our soldiers. God bless them – each and every one.
