I have been blessed in my life to have lived in two battlefield towns, Manassas, VA and Vicksburg, MS. I have spent many hours exploring and imagining in both fields of war.
During my time in the US Navy, while stationed at Dam Neck Navy Guided Missile School in Virginia Beach, VA , I took the time to walk all over the battlefields of Yorktown. Call me silly, but that place evoked some of the strongest and eeriest feelings and maybe even a sense of Déjà vu.
A little over twelve years ago I took a week long field trip with Kyle to the Washington, DC area. The Navy Memorial, The Vietnam Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial are all places pregnant with meaning. And then there is Arlington National Cemetery… if you have never seen the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, you are missing a singularly powerful and evocative ceremony.
Preaching here in Gulfport has afforded me far too many opportunities to participate in graveside services at Biloxi National Cemetery. No matter how many times I hear taps, my emotions are always stirred.
Whether ancient battlefield, historic monument, or military cemetery, it’s all sacred ground.
It’s all worthy of our remembering.
It’s all deserving of our honoring.
Sacred ground made sacred by the blood and sacrifice of the men and women who gave all.
Sacred ground, sacred memories…
Fair winds and following seas to all those who have gone on before.
Your memory has not been forgotten.
Les, Jr.
Braun Marshall Powell »« Ruminations on Lost
