"Is This Why I Served?"
Today, a flag neatly folded and displayed in a case on the mantle in my parents’ home is my only visible reminder of that day. I will always remember the sound of the guns crackling in unison in three distinct volleys followed by the lone trumpet mournfully singing out the twenty-four notes known as “Taps.” Having officiated at many funeral services as a pastor, I was no stranger to these sounds but they took on a much more personal significance on that day in May of 2017. I stood at attention while the honor guard paid tribute to my favorite veteran, my grandfather, who died just shy of 90 years of age.
Growing up, my grandfather was my hero. He was larger than life. At 6’ 4” I guess he was larger than life to most people! He served in the Navy as a Seabee during World War 2. I can still hear his voice as he would tell us what it was like to come home and tell his father that Pearl Harbor had been bombed. My great-grandfather, a first-generation immigrant from Sweden, who had himself fought in the First World War, could not believe the news. At the time my grandfather was too young to enlist. He drove a truck, taking the place of older men who had gone off to fight. When he had graduated he enlisted and served his country. Thankfully, the war was winding down by the time he received orders to steam west in the LST to which he had been assigned. He told stories of visiting Japan and later being stationed on Guam. He served in the reserves through the Korean War. He would never talk much about his service. Like most veterans, he was far too humble and had no wish to call attention to himself. His country needed him and he simply answered the call.
The summer before my grandfather died, our family spent a week with him in Duluth, Minnesota, where he lived. One evening he had the TV on in the background. I don’t remember the particular news story that came across the screen but it was something deeply troubling. Sadly, the last decade offers far too many events that evidence the moral and spiritual decay of our nation. My grandfather wasn’t one for deep conversations but I remember him sitting up straight in his chair. He looked at me and asked, “Is this what I served for?” He shook his head in disgust. “What is happening to this country?”
As for the rest of the conversation, I don’t remember exactly how I responded to him. I only remember his question. I’m sure many veterans ask themselves, “Is this why I served?” Here’s what I wish I would have said: You served so that your family could wake up decades later still in a free country. You served to show your children and grandchildren the meaning of duty, sacrifice, and honor. You served so that generations after you would not have to fight the same battles. You served so that your children and grandchildren would have opportunity. You served because you lived out the values you believe like honor, courage, freedom, and sacrifice. You served so that your descendants could strive to live for the glory of God. Sure, plenty of things are wrong with America today, but I’m grateful for what’s right. On this Veteran’s Day, I’m thankful for my grandfather and millions of others like him who have served their country with honor and sacrifice over the years. Thank you!
“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13