TRUE HEROES
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Tears. Grief. Humility. Appreciation. Gratitude. Everyday Americans have
experienced so many emotions in the past few weeks. The passing of our nation’s
40th President, Ronald Wilson Reagan, and the observance of the 60th anniversary
of D-Day have given reasons to pause, to pray, and to be filled with gratitude
for our very true heroes. |
From humble beginnings to the highest pinnacles of power, President Reagan
maintained courage, straightforward convictions, and especially humility,
through it all. From success in acting to a waning career before the camera,
Jesus was leading his every step and preparation for his ultimate service to his
country as president. From giving speeches for General Electric, to the
development of strong conservative convictions, President Reagan followed a path
outlined for him from the Almighty.
The history is written: from his mother came faith in God; from his earliest
years he professed faith in Jesus Christ as His Lord. This only became a more
prominent calling and conviction as he survived an attempted assassination
barely nine weeks into his presidency. Mr. Reagan knew his remaining time was
devoted to God and His purposes.
Such a wonderful communicator; such an ability to comfort the nation through
crises and to turn tragedy into opportunity. President Reagan’s optimism gave
confidence to a nation desperately in need of new strides of strength. His
support for the military and the rebuilding of our forces gave credence to our
nation’s ability to stand with strength; the Lord uniquely used President Reagan
to defeat the enemies of the cold war. We have so very much for which to be
grateful for this man.
And, as we consider the 60th Anniversary of D-Day, our hearts should truly be
moved at the remembrance of the courage of young men who stormed beaches against
a firestorm of hot lead and steal in bullets and firepower; at the remembrance
of the literally thousands who died in ferocious battles that enabled us to gain
freedom against an evil purpose. Foot soldiers, marines, army, navy,
paratroopers, bombardments against a wall of evil—all at such a high price.
Indeed, good prevailed over evil in great victory.
But the cost was enormous. Men and women throughout this nation made such
sacrifice for the greater good. Soldiers, WACS and WAVES and Suzie the
Riveter—families losing loved ones and rationing supplies—all so we could be
here today in such freedom. The loss of our WWII Veterans every day is
staggering as the generation of true heroes passes off our scene into the beauty
of eternity. We owe so much to men and women who gave their lives and fortunes
to rid the world of evil tyranny and to bequeath us with the gift of freedom.
Our efforts today must be to steward and maintain those very same liberties.
Please remember to give thanks. Give thanks to God for the privilege of living
in this nation with our liberties. And give thanks to a veteran, to a man or
woman in the military who serves, or has served, to help us maintain those
liberties. These really are the true heroes.
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