Bert Parks is legendary for singing "here she comes, Miss America..." in reference to a woman. But in recent days, due to world and national events, I find I MISS AMERICA! And I don't want too-I want her back!
You see, I remember as a kid Memorial Day parades, with old ladies and men selling poppies, in memory of those who died in battle. I remember old soldiers, marching at the end of the parade, but never knew the price they and there fellow servicemen paid. Men with stories to tell, to encourage and remind us of the horrors of war-and the price of freedom.
I remember growing up, and opening the school day with a Bible reading, a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and then singing a patriotic song. And being told at an early age, you too can grow up to be president some day. And how you were reminded if you worked hard, got good grades, and lived a moral life, you too could exceed your potential and your dreams in life. You too could be president!
Then I remember Viet Nam, and being 364 out of 365 in the lottery. I remember friends who went over, and had friends who never came back. I remember my friend Frank, a pacifist put into infantry, when asked if he ever killed anyone, saying "no one I ever met." And I can remember the dishonorable end to the war, and men and women who fought to preserve liberty at all costs, being blamed for a loss which they didn't incur, but were sacrificed by politicians with no morals, and definitely no courage. Men who gave it all, and even sadder those who went off, were lost and never found. Over 1800 in Nam, added to the over 73,000 in WWII, lest we forget. Over 75,000 families shaken to the core of never knowing their loved one's outcome. And I started to miss America, land that I love. And I began to lose hope in my America.
My hope was renewed by President Reagan-whose definition of the Cold War was "we win-you lose." Who made us feel good again to be Americans, and remember that when God shed His grace on thee, it was a gift and responsibility that He gave us to share with others. And that leadership came from character, not opinion polls. And character was how we reacted under pressure, and when we thought no one was watching. Once again reminding me that as an American we owe a debt of gratitude to the Lord, and need to share it with others-no matter of color, creed, race, or nationality. That freedom demands sacrifice, and of the thousands who gave their lives in that belief.
I remember riding Torches Across America, and meeting so many who fought for our freedom. And riding into Troy, Illinois, escorted through Cub Scouts waving American flags, and thanking God through my tears for this country. And being in awe, that people still did care, and how the news was lying to us. Americans were blessing God! As I went to Shanksville the first time, and watched a man step out of the crowd one 9-11 morning, and spontaneously sing the National Anthem, we all sang along, and how it felt good to be an American. And remembering the 40 heroes on Flight 93, people I have gotten to know because I have met their families, and laughed and cried with them. Americans called into battle that morning, who rose to the challenge and defeated evil. Some who gave all. I think of my dear friend Father Al, keeper of the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel, and how the vision God gave him still brings hope to so many who are hurting and confused, who are drawn to the Chapel and receive healing and are consoled by a loving God.
I remember on the fifth anniversary of 9-11, waiting in a tent designed for 250 people, how 500 of us huddled inside it in the rain, waiting patiently for the families to arrive. And when they did, how the Northstar Kids burst into song, and we all sang along, with tears running down our faces "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free..."
And yesterday while at the Travelling Wall, which is so much more than a replica of the Wall in Washington, it became very personal, and moving to me. And I got an insight to the pain and loss that many have suffered, those who have lost ones-heroes who died in battle. There on a plaque, under those lost in Afghanistan, was Captain Joshua C. Meadows-September 5, 2009. And it became personal, as I know his family. Not well, they are friends of Theresa and Kelly-Riley's parents, and how we tried to console them when they got the news. And when I think of his wife Angela, and I see the pictures of his new daughter, Olivia, pictures he never got to see, I am reminded of how all gave some, but some gave all. I now knew a some, and that made a difference. Now it's personal.
Years ago at a Hollister Rally, the Wall was there, and as Theresa and I sat on benches in front of it, God put on our hearts to listen and pray. A man came up, and took me over to the wall, and showed me his friend's name. Then shared precious memories of him with me. A man I never met, now was my friend, and I felt his loss, for his friend now was mine also. And as we talked through the tears, I remembered a battle 2000 years ago. In which the enemy thought he had won. And for an instance, all hope was gone. But when they checked the tomb, it was empty. For our Lord Jesus had defeated death. And I thought of Jesus, and how victory-freedom-was won that day on the cross. And how knowing Him is personal, and someday when we get to heaven every tear will be wiped away. And as I held this man in my arms, all I could do was listen, hug, and weep with him. Just like Jesus does for us.
Today the battle you face may not be life threatening, but Jesus gave His life to give you life. But you need to ask Him in. An old soldier reminded me yesterday when he saw my John3:16 shirt of how those words, along with his mothers prayers, got him and his friends through the battles in the Pacific. And how Jesus Christ made a difference in his life then, and still does now. 25 words-the gospel, so simple any man can be given eternal life. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life and never perish."
My heartfelt thanks to the many who gave some, and my condolences to those and their families who gave all. I am so glad I have given my life to Jesus, who still continues to give all-who defeated sin and death, in a battle we still remember every day. God bless America! America-Bless God! Let's pray!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
