Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
Memorial Day is a day set apart to honor the sacrifice and loss of any man or woman who died while serving in the U.S. military, whether during deployment overseas or in training and service in the United States. Military organizations and bases nationwide honor all fallen military warriors on Memorial Day. The best way for us to pay respects to our military freedom fighters is to attend a Memorial Day ceremony at a veterans’ cemetery, or visit the grave of a loved one who gave the ultimate sacrifice of patriotism.
Patriotism means you love, respect, and are willing to serve your Country and, if need be, sacrifice your life to protect a fellow American. The American flag stirs a very proud patriotism when we see its stars and stripes waving majestically in the blue skies of liberty. Many of the best have bravely died for this flag. Military warriors have guts — and they’ve proven it by spilling them.
After viewing the 1998 film, “Saving Private Ryan” for the first time years ago, I emphatically said, “Everyone living in the United States of America needs to see this movie.” It’s a hard watch, but a necessary one if you want to get a true pulse of American heroism and patriotism. Politics and patriotism are not two peas in a pod. Although Saving Private Ryan was fictional, it was inspired by the true story of Frederick Niland, who was sent home after two of his brothers were killed in action during World War II. And if you want to read or watch a true September 11, 2012 account, I recommend “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.” Heroes don’t wear capes, they wear dog tags.
Saving Private Ryan’s historical accuracy in the opening sequence was praised by both WWII historians and actual survivors of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. Charlie Company’s horrific experiences in the early scenes of the film, including those seasick in the landing crafts, the catastrophic number of casualties as they exited the crafts, and the struggle in linking up with the nearby units on the shore are all true to history. Many minor details, including the sound of the bullets and the unique “ping” of the U.S. soldiers’ M1 rifles ejecting their clips, are accurately recreated. Even the correct code names for the different sectors of Omaha Beach were used in the film.
Never, ever shall we disregard the words of Jesus which perfectly describes all the brave hearts of our military men and women who have given their ultimate patriotism. “No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13 CSB). I also appreciate the same scripture from The Passion Translation: “For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends.”
I was taught not to argue with God or His Word and, honestly, it would be ridiculous to try to do so. With the meaning of Memorial Day weighing heavily on my heart, the following scripture clearly illuminates an appropriate response to what Peter writes: “Show proper respect to everyone. Love the community of believers. Have respect for God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17 NIRV). We should obey God’s Word and give proper regard to those who sacrificed all.
The Key: Believers have an ethical obligation to honor and properly respect our U.S. fallen heroes.