An American soldier held as a POW for many years during WWII wrote a memoir of his captivity and ensuing day of freedom that changed his life forever. His personal story is powerful and contains a message that is eye opening to say the least.
The soldier wrote in his memoir and recorded, “I remember the day that the allied forces finally came to our rescue and pulled us out of the that POW camp so full of filth, pain, torment and treachery. We all were in the “yard” and hearing the sounds of airplanes, we looked skyward and were awestruck to see the grand old American flag painted on the bottom of the aircrafts.
We had not seen an American flag for years. We had not seen or heard anything from our military or the allied forces in so long, that some men had begun to give up hope of ever being freed. A few moments later, we heard the sound of the rumbling of tanks and heavy artillery coming in our direction. A few moments later, it happened! The wall of the enemies prison camp came crashing down as tanks carrying the American flag and other allied forces burst through the prison and put the enemy on the run!
As I surveyed in sheer glee what was unfolding before me, I noticed something very special. Upon seeing the tanks and aircraft carrying the American flag coming to our rescue, some men in the compound started crying and weeping. Other men began to shout and sing overcome with joy. Some men fell to their face in relief and just lay on the ground, while others danced, skipped and ran to meet to the allies. The whole point is this; everybody did something when they understood that they were free!
As Memorial Day weekend comes upon us, many celebrate in various ways. BBQ’s, parties, picnics, family gatherings, shopping trips, etc. The freedom we have to do these things was purchased by men and women willing to give the last full measure of devotion to God and Country. Like David, these heroes believed there was a cause worth fighting and if necessary, worthy dying for.
This weekend, will you take a moment to honor the brave men and women who’ve fought and died to purchase your freedom? Will you also take time to thank God for setting you free from sin? As I type this blog, the lyrics from Chris Tomlin’s song keep ringing in my ears…
- My chains are gone,
- I’ve been set free.
- My God, my Savior has ransomed me.
- And like a flood,
- His mercy reigns,
- Unending love, amazing grace.
What will you do to celebrate your day of freedom? I plan to continue living each day to it’s fullest, appreciating and applying this freedom and sharing it with others.
