Sacred Ground
Roughly twenty years ago I had the most memorable tax interview. Actually, it was a post interview reminiscence. Across from my desk sat a World War II veteran and his wife. Business being done, we decided to make “small” talk. I don’t recall what precipitated it, but the war veteran moved us from the realm of “small” talk to the realm of an unforgettable history lesson. I soon felt like I was on sacred ground.
Normandy & Sacrifice
What did my client reminisce about? The invasion of Normandy. He was part of the American force that landed on the beach in 1944. With tears in his eyes, he shared with me his experience that day. From the heavy gunfire they faced, to the heavy casualties they experienced, no details were left out. For a short period I was transported back in time. When I hear of Normandy I will always remember that “lesson”. Although my client made it home alive, a part of him would always be on the beach of Normandy with his fallen comrades. So many had sacrificed so much. Too many never got off the beach. Sacred ground indeed.
I found out later that my client had never discussed his Normandy experience before that day. At least not to the knowledge of his immediate family. It was the first time his wife had ever heard it. He had never shared it with his children before. More than fifty years after the fact I am not sure why he shared it with me that day. But I am thankful he did. Learning from reading is beneficial. Learning from experience is unforgettable. Even if the experience is vicarious.
I am thankful for our veterans. Always have been; always will be. My parents raised me to love our country and respect those who serve it and have sacrificed for it. After “experiencing” the invasion of Normandy through my client how could I do less? How could any of us? But people are so fickle.
I am saddened to see the changes that have taken place in our Country. National pride has given way to disdain. Flag waving is out, flag burning is in. Saluting our veterans has given way to other gestures. Thanking them has been replaced with cursing them. We need a history lesson. We need to go back in time.
Jerusalem & Sacrifice
When Jesus made his entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, the crowds waved palm branches and shouted Hosanna. They couldn’t usher Him into the city fast enough or with enough fanfare. They threw their cloaks down before Him as they paid Him homage. It seemed that everyone wanted to be associated with Him.
A few days later they shouted crucify Him. Instead of palm branches, they waved their fists. With a cross on His back, they couldn’t escort Him out of town fast enough. They took the clothes off His back and divided them as they paid Him disrespect. His followers deserted Him. It seemed that no one wanted to be associated with Him. Fickle?
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:12-13
Today we celebrate Palm Sunday. We’re standing on sacred ground as we remember what Jesus has done for us. Time to spread out our cloaks and grab our palm branches. Let’s give Him the praise He deserves. Many have sacrificed for our freedom to worship. Jesus died and rose from the grave, making Him worthy of our Worship. Here He comes now, let’s shout!!
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; righteous and having Salvation is He, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” – Zechariah 9:13
“And the crowds that went before Him and that followed Him were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!'” – Matthew 21:9