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November 21, 2010
To the Army for Heroes,
I can’t begin to describe the joy I felt walking through the grove following the cleanup days. Looking out at the acres and being able to see the monuments sparkle in the sunlight was such a beautiful sight that it brought me to tears.
Kenneth Wells had great vision when he chose this property to be home to the Freedoms Foundation. It is shameful that it is all but lost due to a total lack of stewardship. The grove, and those memorialized there, represent so many qualities that Americans once held with high regard. Obviously, it represents honor-and at its highest level. Proverbs 15:33 tells us that “..before honor is humility.” Medal of Honor recipients keep their medals with humility, always reminding us that they are stewards of the medal which represents the courage, dedication and sacrifices of their fellow servicemen and women.
Stewardship, too, was once practiced diligently in America. Although the Freedoms Foundation is certainly lacking in this area, it has been wonderful to see a community organize, and take it upon themselves to be good stewards of a landmark and memorial so special as the Medal of Honor Grove.
What a patriotic experience it was to see students and teachers, soldiers and veterans, professionals and laborers, and heroes and neighbors all working together to preserve this memorial and the story behind each medal.
Joshua 4:6 says “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, what mean ye by these stones?” The answer is, “These stones shall be for a memorial.” It is so important for our young people to know real heroes. To build a memorial is a grand and honorable undertaking, especially on this scale. But if a generation or two pass by, and our children don’t know what these stones mean, then we’ve failed at memorializing these heroes and the very fundamentals of freedom they fought to defend. Worse yet, moving or removing these monuments would be an absolute disgrace. Proverbs 22:28 warns, “Remove no the ancient landmark, which thy father have set.”
World War II memorial sites and cemeteries for American soldiers throughout Europe are cared for meticulously because children have grown up with an appreciation for the sacrifices made by strangers for their freedom. Generation after generation teaches this respect and consideration.
As Americans, we need to re-kindle this passion of gratitude for our soldiers ~ and you’ve all done an incredible job of getting that started. Please know that there are many folks praying for you as things move forward, and your efforts are appreciated more than you could comprehend.
Thank You!
An appreciative American
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