Greeting Saints and Friends,
​”Dad, do you think Grandpa Samuel will speak again at this year’s State Celebration of D Day?” “I don’t know, Henry. But I do know there are not many soldiers left who can give a first-hand account of what it was like during that time. Let’s go visit him today.” “Yes, let’s do that. Of course we can’t go see him without Mom.” “Oh you’ve noticed that, too?” “I think Mom reminds Grandpa a lot of Grandma.” “I think you’re right. A long time ago, some people mistook your mother and Grandma for one another. But I know your mother reminds Grandpa of other things about Grandma, too. I’m so glad that Grandpa knows he will see Grandma again when it’s time to be in heaven. Well, let’s go see him.”
​”Yes, Sir. I have given your offer special consideration. I would be honored to speak again at this year’s D Day celebration. Yes, Governor. Thank you, again, for calling.” “Hello, Samuel!” “Hello, Son!” “Hello, Grandpa!” “Hello, Henry! Where’s my sweet Catherine?” “She’s coming, Grandpa. She has a surprise for you.” “Oh she does, huh? I can’t wait to find out what it is?” “I think you’ll like it, Dad.” “Here she is…” “Oh my, Catherine. You look beautiful! Where did you find that uniform?” “It was in an old trunk that Mother had. I had it specially cleaned.” “Your mother was wearing that uniform when I came home from the war. She had joined the USO to demonstrate her patriotism for our country and encourage soldiers wherever she could.” “So Dad, it sounds like you are going to have the privilege of telling others again about D Day and the landings at Normandy.” “Son, it’s not so much a privilege, as it is a responsibility. I am one of the last to live and tell about it. And we can not let people forget what it costs many others for us to be free. I can still hear the orders of General Dwight Eisenhower: ‘You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely. Let us all beseech the blessing of almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.’ General Eisenhower was right. It was no easy task.
My friends and fellow soldiers coveted every prayer to God. We heard that over the radio, President Roosevelt had also called the nation to pray for us. ‘I ask you to join with me in prayer: Almighty God, our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our republic, our religion, and our civilization. They will need Thy blessings. Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom. Help us, almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith to Thee.’ President Roosevelt echoed the sentiments of our Father in heaven – that in this world there is something worth living and dying for – people. We are all created in His own image. And because of God the Father’s great love for every person, He sent His Son, Jesus, into battle. He knew that Jesus would die for the freedom of others. Not temporary physical freedom, but eternal spiritual freedom.
Jesus declared, ‘For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life.’John 3:16
While humanity’s spiritual war began in the Garden of Eden, Jesus provided the victory at Calvary. The Apostle Paul declared, ‘Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ 1 Corinthians 15:57
The graves on France’s beaches of Normandy and surrounding landscape are stark reminders that the cost of freedom must never be taken for granted. People must remember what it cost to be free. A wooden cross, an empty tomb, and a risen, living Savior, are reminders that spiritual freedom has been paid in full at a great price! While earthly freedom must be continually fought for, achieved, and guarded, Jesus said, ‘If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.’ John 8:36 When I came home from the war, so many people were so grateful for what was achieved, though the loss was tremendous. Grandma was standing there in her USO uniform and said to me, ‘Welcome home, Hero!’ The only greater words I long to hear are from Jesus – ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ Matthew 25:21 The only way anyone can hear those special words is by telling Jesus: ‘Thank You, Jesus, for paying for my sins when You died for them and rose again. Save me and help me to live for You. Amen’