My father and

mother came from the generation that Tom Brokaw calls in his book "The

Greatest Generation." This group of people were exceptional in many

ways.

During the

early days following World War II, Dad told me the story that he was riding

one day in France in his military jeep and was looking for the cemetery

where several thousand Americans were buried from both world wars. They

had been driving around in circles looking at the map and were sure they

were very close to the cemetery. Dad was a very good man, a kind man and

very patriotic.

Finally they

pulled up to a Frenchman in his early thirties and asked where the cemetery

was. This unconcerned Frenchman shrugged his shoulders and said, "I

don't know." It was more like, "I don't know and I don't care."

For some reason

this flew all over my father. He stood up out of the jeep and told the

Frenchman, "Get into the jeep!" The Frenchman got into the jeep

and they found the cemetery which was not far away. He told his driver,

who spoke good French, to tell the Frenchman that the next time someone

asks where thousands of Americans of two world wars were buried he would

know right where they were. A true story.

As we approach

Memorial Day we must all pause and reflect on what is ours today because

of what our brave soldiers have done for us. It is really interesting

that most of these men and women know that when they serve their country

either for several years or for a 20- to 30-year career, that they are

not going, for the most part, to become the "rich and famous."

They do it for many other reasons. They do ask for one thing in return

and we must give this to them. All they ask is that we remember .

As you are

riding by a military cemetery or one where you know a soldier is buried,

place your hand over your heart and say, "Thank you for a job well

done." It wouldn't hurt to do the same when you see Old Glory waving,

whether it is on a mail box or atop a building. Just imagine if another

flag were flying there!

God bless you

and those in your family who have served.

The Rev.

Dr. Knox Herndon is pastor of His House Community Church (SBC). The Rev.

Greg Mausz is senior associate pastor. The Rev. Dr. Lydia Herndon is the

Sunday School superintendent, Bible study coordinator and teacher. The

church is just below Fayetteville, on Ga. Highway 85, a mile south of

Ga. Highway 16, just below the fire station. Visitors welcome. Church

office and prayer line 770-719-2365; e-mail [email protected]. The church's

new Web site is www.hishousecommunitychurch.com.

Back

to News Home Page |