“The Last Full Measure”

I didn’t serve in the military, or fight the enemy, or die in battle.

But Some Did

1. Dad was career Air Force, serving in Korea and Viet Nam.
2. My brother was Army, serving two tours in Viet Nam.
3. My other brother was Navy, serving the U.S.S. Los Angeles.
4. Had friends in wars, some returned alive, and some didn’t.

The President

At Gettysburg, November 19, 1863, President Lincoln said this in his speech, but clearly, he was wrong.

“The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.”

The world took great note, and has long remembered what he said, as well as what happened.

Lincoln’s address honored the dead and challenged the living. An excerpt: 

“It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.”

That war was fought with each other. Please Lord, let it be the only one.

Going to War

America has gone to war many times. Often, the cause was essential, just, and urgent. Sometimes, it was less clear, difficult to measure, and frustratingly long. Either way, troops were sent into harm’s way to defend freedom, our way of life, or to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves. They are still being sent. 

Today is Memorial Day. Dad’s will fire up the grills. Moms will make something special. Kids will frolic in the pools. There will be parades and concerts in the parks.

To Close

We honor our dead. We remember those who served. And we say thank you to those who are far from home, and away from their loved ones. We remember.

God bless you, come home safe, and soon.

Shalom