Reverence
and the Flag*
Train
a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn
from it.
Proverbs
22:6
As
the Color Guard marched in the parade, Chet, a retired Air Force
pilot, was saddened by how many people remained seated, with hats on
their heads as the American flag passed by. The men and women from
his generation would never show such a lack of respect and blatant
disregard for their country’s flag and the sacrifice it
represented. These people seemed indifferent about the freedom they
enjoyed and took for granted. Chet had lost friends and comrades in
WWII, and how or why these succeeding generations failed to honor and
respect such sacrifice was beyond his comprehension.
As
they proceeded, Chet’s eye caught a small boy suddenly stand to
attention, salute the men and the flag, and hold his salute! With a
tear sliding down his cheek, Chet returned the prescribed military
gesture, realizing, There
is still hope that what we’ve done will not be forgotten or taken
for granted.
†
The
right for Americans to arbitrarily snub their nose at their Nation’s
flag has been paid for with the blood and sacrifice of brave men and
women, and their families, who've given of themselves, building upon
the foundation which others have continued to build, knowing that
freedom comes at a price.
This
Nation was founded by fearless men and women who stood on godly
principles which, when not adhered to, breed ignorance and
disrespect. By failing to pass along a sense of duty, honor, and
self-sacrifice, we have lost who we are and how we arrived at this
moment in history.
It
is, therefore, our responsibility to train and nurture each
succeeding generation, teaching them to cherish the freedom they
enjoy, and help them understand that it is a precious commodity. This
applies to our spiritual heritage as well.
If
Jesus were to walk by would our children remain seated on the curb,
or would they stand in reverence and honor, recognizing the sacrifice
He made to set them free?
Prayer
“Father
of our freedom, we thank and give You honor. May we never lose sight
of the sacrifice for our freedom, and may we never fail to pass on
the importance of the price that was paid. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
*Dedicated
to and in memory of Chester Miller, a good friend and good man
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