We just commemorated Veterans Day, a day to honor all of our living veterans who serve so selflessly to preserve our nation’s freedoms. Earlier this year we commemorated the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day. Both occasions caused us to reflect upon the extraordinary sacrifices of so many, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. In light of their service and love of country, may we all feel led to commit to a new Dedication.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
When news of final victory in Europe came on May 8, 1945, Christians throughout our country flocked to churches where special services were held. At the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC, Peter Marshall, who would soon become the Chaplain of the Senate, offered these words from his sermon entitled, “Dedication:”
“We Americans have never fought our wars just for ourselves and our own freedom. We have always contended for the God-given inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that belong to every human being throughout the world. But we Americans would be guilty of the worst kind of hypocrisy if we did not first seek to live up to these standards in our society. Rabbi Roland Gittelsohn, the chaplain giving the sermon of dedication of the Fifth Marine Division cemetery on Iwo Jima put it in profoundly simple terms: ‘We dedicate ourselves…to live together in peace the way they fought and are buried in this war… Here lie officers and men, Negros and whites, rich men and poor…together… Among these men there is no discrimination. No prejudices. No hatred. Theirs is the highest and purest democracy. Any man among us, the living, who fails to understand that will betray those who lie here dead.’” *
As we recall the enormous sacrifices of all those impacted by WWII, may we give thanks for their commitment, courage, their selfless service, their sacrifice of creature comforts and the companionship of loved ones. May we live with the highest and purest form of democracy. Let us examine our hearts and commit to a new Dedication.
Dear Heavenly Father, we beg Your forgiveness as we citizens of this great nation have betrayed those who lie is hallowed grounds and we have squandered their hard-fought victory for our freedoms. We have forsaken true democracy. Return us to being God-fearing and God-honoring people. Help us recognize that apart from You there is nothing we can do to repair the divisions and unify the spirit of our country. Have mercy on us, O God. We ask and pray in the name of the One who reconciles all men to You. Amen.
