It is the day after Memorial Day which was a very meaningful day here. Memorial Day had a new relevance here because we have all seen fighting men who are now honored by this hallowed day.

I saw something interesting as I went to eat lunch at the dining facility #2. Commonly referred to DFAC2. I have noticed for some time that there seems to be more people saying grace before they it eat here than what I see at home. I also see many more people crossing themselves before eating. I attribute it to the old adage, “There aren’t any atheist in fox holes.” Some could think of this place as one large fox hole as no one knows where the next mortar or rocket that is lobbed over the wire may hit. But back to what I saw interesting. Since we are nine hours ahead we often see the news on the TV from what we would call yesterday. So as I ate lunch the news that we were watching was from the evening of Memorial Day. I am not sure what channel it was but it sounded like Ted Koppel, so I guess Nightline and ABC. The entire show was a Memorial to all those that had died during this war. There were two faces on the screen at all times and each name was announced by Koppel. If this was done to honor these brave military members, I am all for it. However, if there was some political agenda to use this to decrease support for the effort in Iraq, then I think it is reprehensible. But again , I digress. The DFAC is usually a loud and raucous room. There are loud voices and laughter. Not today. The attitude was somber as people who would normally ignore the TV were drawn to the screen. People would stop as they were walking to their seats or as they left to spend some time looking at the screen. Not to look or to talk too loudly seemed disrespectful. I do not think many liked having the pictures showed to us. I think for many it brought back memories that were difficult to suppress and this tore off the scab of a partially healed wound. It brought back to mind the mortality of us all including some friends that were now evidence of the finality of death.

I would like to think that all of these being honored were in heaven enjoying paradise with Jesus. I do not know if that is the case. Jesus’ grace for forgiveness is free but according to the Bible it is still something that needs to be received by faith. Romans 3:22-23 “This righteousness from God, comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

I hope that all of the faces that were shown on the TV had a saving faith. I hope that my time here may be as a witness to others of the love and the peace and the eternal security that comes through Christ Jesus alone. I hope to be a witness that never has to use words. The Israelites knew Moses had seen God because his face was radiant, Exodus 34:29. I pray that God makes my face radiant.

Soli Deo Gloria