May Open Spaces 20.5

Open Spaces

By John W. Vander Velden

Vol.: 20.5

I’m writing this short piece on Memorial Day and remembering those that have served, willing to sacrifice themselves for something greater than any one of us. I think, particularly during this difficult time, that each of us should think about those that have given the “ultimate measure” on behalf of millions of people they had never met. They did what they thought they must for a community in which you and I are part. I feel it is important that we too are willing to do our part for the good of others.

Their sacrifice should remind us that we do not live alone, isolated and self-serving. Too easily we slide into the, what about ME attitude, that we forget about the others, the THEM. Have we forgotten that the ME is indeed one of the THEM, and also among the THEM are those we love and care about. I doubt that many of those we honor on this day had forgotten. Perhaps that is just another reason to remember them as heroes.

For 2020 the holiday carries a somber difference. Social distancing has required that we, for this year, face Memorial Day in ways different than any other time in our lifetime. Those changes should not change the significance of the holiday. Rather as I stated before it should heighten our resolve to straighten our own shoulders and do what needs to be done. For our actions will affect our friends, neighbors, family members for good or ill.

Now is not the time to point fingers or assign blame. It is a time to face the sacrifices needed to accomplish a mighty goal. God has not abandoned, nor will He ever leave us no matter what the future holds. This crisis WILL pass, and if we work together we will reach its conclusion stronger and better than before. But if we pout and shout, “poor me,” without considering how the vulnerable must face these difficult days, then the fractures within our society will only widen.

Is that the legacy we wish to leave in the memory of our fallen heroes?

I would hope not.

Covid-19 will pass. We will endure these months. Years from now we will tell our descendants about 2020. What that story will be will depend upon our actions TODAY, TOMMOROW, and the WEEKS ahead. Take courage dear friends and remember the lessons learned from the brave we honor on this day.

God’s peace be with you, today, tomorrow, and all the days ahead.

John
Author of the Misty Creek Saga