July 04, 2014

Thank You for Your Service

Yesterday I attended an Eagle Cane presentation for veterans. The walking canes, which consist of a hand carved eagle head handle and lathe turned shaft, are the handiwork of local carvers and wood turners. All veterans are eligible to receive a cane, they simple need to fill out an application. Adding a personal touch to the cane, the service member’s name, rank, branch of service and duty station are etched into the cane. All of the presentation were touching, but for the three WWII vets, who were unaware they were being recognized until their name was called, it was an emotional event. “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isiah 40:30-31 NIV).

2 comments:

Unknown said...

It is emotional for all of us Gail, especially with the way this world is going right now,

thanks, Bob Hampton

Steve Corey said...

Gail;

-----We think the WWII veterans fought against an evil dictator. Two actually, remembering Tojo. Maybe if we paid a little more thought to the third, we might realize that war was fought against a political philosophy. Mussolini ran around saying everything for the state, and nothing but the state. Today, our Federal government has become the same center of its own purpose. Even if it was virtuous in all its values this would be wrong.
-----“To us a son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.” (Isa 9:6) We are not the Lord, and our government can not be Him. But neither is anything of Him that does not emulate Him. What does not emulate Him is against Him. He does not receive our worship for His stance. The government is not upon His shoulder for His rule. He did not lift Himself up high for victory. He lowered Himself for service. He emptied Himself for others. His governance is for the life and joy of His people. That’s why He is the truth and love is the way that makes life.
-----I see Him in the WWII vet. I see what our government has become and I long for another army of them. But measuring current events by the Word of God leaves me more certain everyday that the next war against this evil philosophy will be fought by an army of one grizzled vet who needs the mere breath of His word for artillery. Even His cane is for whom He loves, “Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” (Ps 23:4)

Love you all,
Steve Corey