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Dear Shiloh Family,

        As I entered the Main Auditorium last Sunday, upon encountering the stars and stripes displayed so wonderfully by Debbie and her team, my throat developed a slight lump, and my heart swelled with pride.  However, the pride soon turned to solemn appreciation as I viewed the insignia crests of each branch of our military.   
     This week, I ponder on the design and colors of Old Glory.

The 13 alternating red and white stripes that represent the original colonies beam of hardiness and valor, purity and innocence.  The 50 white stars in the upper left corner are majestically poised on a backdrop of royal blue and remind us that our united states are grounded on vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

       Consequently, the logos of the branches of our military groups represent the many men and women who serve this great country. This Monday, we will honor those who gave the ultimate price for freedom.

     I can’t imagine how anyone can disrespect our nation’s flag or those who serve it knowing the great sacrifice extended to enable it to fly so freely, and how God intervened throughout history to assure America’s freedom.
  
     I think of how George Washington and his men prevailed against the British at 3 to 1 odds at the battle of Yorktown, and how it began a series of seemingly supernatural events in succeeding U.S. wars that changed the course of history.

   We must remember the battle of Bunker Hill, Andrew Jackson at New Orleans, The Alamo, the contest for Mexico City, Lee and Meade at Gettysburg where over 45,000 men lost their lives, Dewey’s victory at Manila Bay, American intervention in holding back the Germans at the Marne, the battle at Midway where an already crippled outnumbered U.S. Navy virtually annihilated the Japanese Pacific fleet, the invasion of Normandy where Americans and their allies, under adverse weather conditions initiated the largest amphibious assault in history that not only established U.S. military dominance, but also liberated Paris, and the stand by General Walker under the Command of Douglas MacArthur at Pusan Perimeter against immeasurable numbers of the North Korean Army.

     In each of these events and many more like them, there was an undeniable presence of divine intervention.  Also, the common denominator in these and all wars is that men and women lost their lives.  In fact, thousands of American soldiers died horrible deaths so that their loved ones and families could live wonderful lives.

     We must also remember that our Savior, Jesus Christ, became all the ugliness in all wars in all countries and paid the price for all sin so that all men can be free.

John 15:13:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. KJV

     We honor those who faithfully served and sacrificed for our great country.  I am awed with gratitude and sorrow for the many who lost loved ones in the fight for freedom.  I also know that your loss is America’s gain.  Without them, we are not “the land of the free, and the home of the brave.” 

Stop and rethink the next time you think freedom is actually free.

God bless you all, 
Pastor Derrell