This past Friday, firefighters from more than 100 departments participated in a processional in San Antonio that began at the Alamodome and ended at Community Bible Church. Fire trucks drove down Highway 281 as thousands gathered on the overpasses to wave flags, salute and quietly celebrate the life of Scott Deem. Scott was a firefighter who was killed battling a four-alarm blaze in San Antonio last week. Scott Deem sacrificed his own life trying to save others.
This Memorial Day, we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. So, often, we can 'celebrate' the day without more than a casual thought to the meaning of the day. It's hard to fathom 1.8 million that gave their life for America since 1775. One way we can thank them for their sacrifice is by remembering.
So many brave men and women have willingly laid down his or her life for a greater cause. How can we not stop and remember?
It's hard to fathom this type of sacrifice. This type of sacrifice seems so final. If only Scott could have seen the amazing tribute and lived to see his third child born. If only those fallen soldiers knew that they were the real heroes. They will never know the ultimate sacrifice they gave. How does one give up everything for those they don't even know?
Perhaps, remembering our heroes today can inspire us embrace a life of sacrifice. The example that comes to mind immediately is Jesus Christ's sacrifice. God sent his Son to the earth in the form of a human and allowed his son to be the sacrificed on the cross for our sins. I can't imagine Jesus' walk to the cross and the pain He suffered to pay the sacrifice for our sins.
How then shall you and I live? We call our soldiers and public servants brave men and women. Will we willingly step out of our comfort zone to serve our fellow man? Will we serve one another in love, free from hatred, judgement and ill-will? Will we graciously put others first above ourselves? Our natural instinct is to serve ourselves. Whom will you serve?
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." Galations 5:13
"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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