Their Stories Keep Alive – November 11, 2001
We often speak of a young person’s life as “full of promise”—marriage and children, friendships, productive work, contributions to church and community—a rich harvest. When a young life ends on the battlefield, the harvest is cut tragically short.
But a moment’s reflection reveals a bigger picture. Those who fall in the cause of justice, secure the blessings of freedom and liberty for their countrymen long after they themselves are gone. No greater harvest can be imagined. We who enjoy the fruits of their sacrifices have an opportunity to express ongoing gratitude for their great gift—to keep alive the stories of those who have fought on our behalf.
We keep their stories alive by knowing the names of the valiant within our families and communities. The monument in Washington, D.C., honoring the fallen of Vietnam, is a wall of names. Many small towns have similar monuments, proudly heralding the names of those who went forth, never to return. In our families, we can frame and display pictures of our own veterans—with their names clearly indicated. We can tell and retell their stories at reunions. We can cherish mementos and the anecdotes that go with them. We can write and preserve their personal histories. Most of all, we can speak of them—of their examples, their virtues, their hopes and dreams. In these ways, their harvest grows, their legacy lives on. It’s never too late to remember.
Program #3769