Seeking peace
As we celebrated Memorial Day last weekend I hope we all stopped for a few moments and thought about what the holiday symbolizes. The number of American lives that have been given to ensure the freedom of our country speaks volumes about the patriotism that was born so many years ago when the United States was formed and continues today as so many put their lives on the line daily. Freedom comes with a great cost and one that many have paid for over 200 years.
When we think of freedom and what it takes to protect it many think of the wars that have been fought and continue to be fought in the world.
When we think of a soldier’s life what comes to mind is often the battlefield and what happens there.
Last Sunday during a sermon my eyes were opened to a different view of a soldier. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called Children of God,” Matthew 5:9 (NIV) was part of the text used for this message. When it was mentioned that no one wants peace more than a solider the Memorial Day holiday seemed even more real.
Peacemakers are defined as those who seek peace often by settling the disagreements of others.
So many times during the life of our country we have sought to be the peacemakers of the world.
Many today feel that it is not our role to police the world. But as we found out on Sept. 11, 2001, if we do not help to establish peace in other areas of the world those who seek to destroy our way of life will come to our soil and try to end our freedom and peace in our homeland.
To all the current men and women who are serving in the armed forces around the world thank you for your service and dedication to protect our freedom and our country. To all of the veterans who have served thank you for all you have done to protect this great land. To those who gave the ultimate sacrifice we remember you with grateful hearts. To all who are serving and have served thank you for your role as peacemakers and may God continue to bless America.
Randy Garrison is the general manager of the Hartselle Enquirer.
