" They Went Under"

They went under, torn asunder,

From this life and all they had,

They were sent, life was spent,

To conquer evil, oh so bad.

We remember, youth so tender,

Too young to face the foe,

But said their yes, to the test,

‘Cause Uncle Sam said go.

In those places, nameless faces,

Brought to them the lethal fight,

For our freedom, we still see ‘em,

In liberty’s sweet light.

Won’t forget them, we will let them,

Fill our hearts this day,

They are heroes, let us see those,

On this Memorial Day.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends…” (John 15:13, NLT)

I have been told by those who have gone to war that there is no greater bond than what is developed when you stand shoulder to shoulder with someone in battle. I have seen grown men weep when they described the sacrifice that their buddies made for them, and especially those who didn’t come home. I have seen highly decorated veterans who deflected compliments and said that the real heroes were those who gave their lives. Jesus said that the greatest love was expressed when one lays down one’s life for their friends. We honor those who died in service to our country. According to Jesus, there is no greater love.

Lord, help us thankfully celebrate the sacrifice of those who died to keep us free, in Jesus’ name.