PHOTO: Bladensburg Cross erected by grieving mothers of sons killed in World War I. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Ben Jacobson.) The week surrounding Veteran’s Day brings a host of electronic reminders of citizens-turned-warriors on our behalf. Through documentaries, specials and movies, the courage of individuals is recounted in vivid detail. Some footage makes you feel like you are there.
But there is an age-old way to honor these soldiers. They are called monuments. Some may be within walking, biking or driving distance from where you are at this very moment.
Some monuments are in jeopardy because they have a cross connected with them and this is not considered inclusive enough even though this Christian symbol of laying down one’s life for another is almost universally accepted as the most appropriate one for soldiers.
I gave a fictional and metaphorical account of this in my book, “Gamaliel’s Advice - Taking Down God.” It explored how quickly the erosion of values can take place. It is based on the true story of the contentious 27-year court battle to remove the Mt. Soledad Cross in San Diego. (To order the book, click on the book cover.)
Now, the Supreme Court will hear a suit against the Bladensburg, Maryland cross that honors that county’s casualties of World War I - and on the 100th anniversary of World War I “to boot.”
But values and faith and sacrifice can never be left in the hands of even the most conscientous nine men and women.
Rather, that decision still remains within each of us.
PORTAL TO HEAVEN: As granite monuments help us rightly recall the ultimate sacrifice of soldiers, the engraving within our minds of Christ’s atonement must be written in stone.
Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. 2 Timothy 2:8 NLT
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