When I turned 18 in 1972, I had to go down and register with Selective Service for the draft. At the time they were doing a lottery, based on your birth date, with the first 30 dates chosen being assured of getting a letter stating "Greetings!" My birthdates came up #364, so unless they started drawing from the bottom, I was assured I wouldn't be drafted. But I still had friends who were, and were to be-and at the time didn't fully realize the impact it was to have on our nation.
While those who got their notice went off, yes there were a few who fled to Canada, the rest of us stayed home-with pretty much the war out of sight, and out of mind. The only grim reminder was watching the evening news each night with my parents, where each night would start with the number of American dead that day. And although the numbers were disturbing, they were impersonal-no face to put a name too. Later that was to change. But for right now, we were happy to go to the peace moratoriums, and listen to liberals bash the war, the government, and God. Thinking that freedom was found in surrendering your values and freedom. Hate of country, confrontation, and of God. Drawing from a dry well, that others had exhausted with their sacrifice of their time, their health, their girlfriends and wives, and some their lives. A group protesting, rather than supporting. And only allowed in a country where because of past veterans, could they protest against their own country.
"Did you ever kill anyone?" we asked those who returned. And the best, but also most sorrowful answer came from my friend Frank. Pacifist, infantryman, and patriot-against the war, but for his country, would say "no one I ever met." You see while others tried to stay sober enough in school to get a deferment, Frank had served. As did my friends Joe and Lance. But only Frank had seen the horrors of death, his story was different.
I go to many veterans events, and watch as so many still haven't come home, although their bodies have, their minds remain in a foreign land. Heroes who answered the call, but were treated with disdain as they returned from doing their patriotic duty-regardless of their personal beliefs. Duty to country to them was a sacrifice they paid, and many still pay it today.
All gave some, the sign says, but some gave all. A harsh reminder that freedom isn't free. That their "greeting" would change their lives, and their loved ones in ways not imagined. And the worse thing today is that after the resistance to the war, and their abandonment by society when they returned, today no one cares. The only thing worse than hatred has occurred, apathy. At least your enemy cared enough to engage you, but coming home to your own country where they don't care-well, you have more in common with your enemy. A sadness that should never have occurred.
We are more selfish than we would ever admit. We each have a price, a breaking point where we will give in to our own morals, and say yes, even when our hearts cry out no. And when society, family, government, and friends turn against us-Jesus is still there. And still loving. He understands being falsely accused. He understands the government turning on Him. He knows all about enemies, and loneliness. He has gotten His "greetings" letter from so many who were only looking out for themselves, yet still made Himself available to those who hated Him. He knows all about a liberal agenda, and how the farther you get from God, the worse off you are. And He still loves, despite all the lies, rumors, innuendos, gossip, and accusations He has endured over the years. He alone was drafted to cover your sins.
He has lost friends in battle, gave three years of His life when called, and is the only way to true peace today. He loves the veteran, and appreciates those who lay down their lives for their fellow countrymen. For He did it for all, showing greater love than anyone has or ever will. He truly gave all.
All without wearing a uniform, or representing a country. He represented much more-God. And still does today. So as we honor our veterans today, remember He still is the truth, the way, and the life. As we seek comfort, and offer thanksgiving for those who served, let us remember where the spirit of the lord is there is liberty.
And healing is always available at the cross. He never forgot a soldier, and sides with those who gave all. And stands ready to welcome you home-your eternal home in heaven, where you will be honored-just for taking His name. For believing in Him. For being a true patriot of heaven.
God bless you veterans-thanks for your service. And all thanks be to Jesus, still serving, at the front lines, so we can be free.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspsot.com
