From: Ben Kelley
Subject: Veteran’s Day

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Tuesday, 11/11/03, is "Veteran's Day," a day in which our country pays tribute to those who have fought for our country in battles around the world. Parades, speeches, special TV programs, etc., are used to tell all our veterans "thank you," for risking life and limb in defense of freedom. It's a salute to those who have served our country in military service.

For several years with Birmingham Police, I "worked" the large Veteran’s Day parade in downtown. For a few of those years, I thought, "Boy, I'm a Marine VietNam veteran. I don't feel very honored, having to work my usual off-time out here in the (rain/heat/cold) weather, while a bunch of teenagers in bands and kids in Scout uniforms march past. What a bum deal!" Later though, I began to appreciate that several of those people really were saying "thank you" the best way they knew how. They did appreciate what I and many others had gone through. I began to see it all very differently. I began to appreciate the fact that many others had fought and suffered, and we were at these parades to honor, not individuals, but the principles and purposes our country was founded upon, the things that made the wars and battles worth fighting.

One day, each of us who know Jesus, having faced the battles against the forces of the enemy in this world, will witness a great and glorious "Veteran's Day" parade in Heaven. Such music and spectacle we will witness! Such glorious sights we'll see! I wonder what we will think as we witness this. Will we think, "what about me? I faced battle after battle and was wounded many times. Shouldn't they be honoring me?" Or, will we be of the proper mind set and say, "I am nothing. The cause of Jesus, Who fought the real battle, is why we're here. Lord Jesus, I salute You! Thank You, my Savior! You fought and won the war."

Take a moment, right now, and offer a salute (yes, a real one) to The One Who fought the real war, The One Who sacrificed everything that you and I might have life. Offer Him the Medal of Honor, your life laid down for Him.

                                   Ben