All they ask is that we remember

By KNOX HERNDON
Pastor

My father and mother came from the generation that Tom Brokaw calls in his book "The Greatest Generation." This group of people were exceptional in many ways.

During the early days following World War II, Dad told me the story that he was riding one day in France in his military jeep and was looking for the cemetery where several thousand Americans were buried from both world wars. They had been driving around in circles looking at the map and were sure they were very close to the cemetery. Dad was a very good man, a kind man and very patriotic.

Finally they pulled up to a Frenchman in his early thirties and asked where the cemetery was. This unconcerned Frenchman shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don't know." It was more like, "I don't know and I don't care."

For some reason this flew all over my father. He stood up out of the jeep and told the Frenchman, "Get into the jeep!" The Frenchman got into the jeep and they found the cemetery which was not far away. He told his driver, who spoke good French, to tell the Frenchman that the next time someone asks where thousands of Americans of two world wars were buried he would know right where they were. A true story.

As we approach Memorial Day we must all pause and reflect on what is ours today because of what our brave soldiers have done for us. It is really interesting that most of these men and women know that when they serve their country either for several years or for a 20- to 30-year career, that they are not going, for the most part, to become the "rich and famous." They do it for many other reasons. They do ask for one thing in return and we must give this to them. All they ask is that we remember.

As you are riding by a military cemetery or one where you know a soldier is buried, place your hand over your heart and say, "Thank you for a job well done." It wouldn't hurt to do the same when you see Old Glory waving, whether it is on a mail box or atop a building. Just imagine if another flag were flying there!

God bless you and those in your family who have served.

The Rev. Dr. Knox Herndon is pastor of His House Community Church (SBC). The Rev. Greg Mausz is senior associate pastor. The Rev. Dr. Lydia Herndon is the Sunday School superintendent, Bible study coordinator and teacher. The church is just below Fayetteville, on Ga. Highway 85, a mile south of Ga. Highway 16, just below the fire station. Visitors welcome. Church office and prayer line 770-719-2365; e-mail KHERN2365@aol.com. The church's new Web site is www.hishousecommunitychurch.com.