On 5-25-09 I went to a Memorial Day Remembrance service at a local cemetery. There were approximately 30 members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars standing as Color Guard. We arrived a few minutes early which gave me the opportunity to look at some military and nonmilitary headstones. As I reflected on the dates and names carved in stone I pondered what did these people live and die for? What mark did they leave behind? How did they contribute to history?

As the service began the Color Guard was called to attention. Sadly, although I didn't count; it was quite obvious that the Color Guard significantly out numbered the rest of the community that had gathered to commemorate and pay respect to fallen heroes who had died to give their countrymen the right to ignore their sacrifice. Where was every one?

Though I too served in the military my mind began to wander a little bit as I reflected back to the days of when I was a policeman. I remembered how it seemed that every July 4^th and Memorial Day I could count on arresting more drunk drivers or perhaps respond to a few more “disturbing the peace” calls as the result of people who had been drinking too much alcohol.

Were others in the community still hungover from the night before? Were they too busy partying on this three day week end to attend a Memorial? Or maybe they were attending or preparing for the token family gathering of which perhaps a prayer of thanks was offered for the meal with rarely a mention of the purpose of the gathering. Obviously that is not the case for all who were absent but where were they? God's instruction to us, The Bible, tells us to focus on good thoughts and so I quickly returned to appreciating the good men and women of whom I was honored to be standing with there in that place at that time.

As I refocused I noticed that at some point a very nice looking middle aged married couple had quietly joined the group. They had positioned themselves just a few feat ahead of me and slightly off to the side. I couldn't help but notice what they held in their hands. As they stood side by side, arm in arm they held a laminated collage of pictures and other memories. At the center of this collage was the picture of a quite handsome, good looking, strapping young man wearing his military dress uniform.

As the memorial proceeded these dear people held this young mans laminated picture and memories in front of them. As I was standing in back of them paying tribute to fallen heroes, listening to reverent words being spoken I couldn't help but notice that this father's hands, which were holding a picture of his son, began to tremble.

To put this in perspective let me tell you that not much shakes me. I have been a soldier trained to fight the enemy. As a policeman I stared down my own demise many times. I have been surrounded by death and dying as the result of incredible carnage. I have been with close family members as they took their last breath. As a Pastor I have stood with others during heart breaking challenges. I could go on but won't.

But this... I turned away but then thought how could I leave these brave people here alone that have sacrificed so much? I returned to the ranks.

Taps began to play. I watched this dear man, a grieving father, with trembling hands he held the picture and other memories of his young son with one hand and saluted his memory with the other. I knew that I was in a defining moment of my life.

As taps ended and the memorial came to a close the couple still arm in arm quietly left as they had quietly arrived: alone.

I followed wanting to say something. I thought “What could I possibly say to them? I don't know but I want to say something!” As I drew closer I could see that they were not in a place to receive something from me regardless of how heart felt it might be.

I faded back away from them but watched as they returned to their car which had been parked next to mine. By the time I returned to my car they had gained some composure. I found it in myself to walk over to them. All I could do was say thank you before turning to walk away.

I don't know these dear people. But I pray they know the Comforter mentioned in the Bible:

John 14:16 AMP
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever--

Blessings,

Rayphe
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