Comments on: Thankful for Veterans Day

By: Patrick Lee

Patrick Lee — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:50:23 +0000

When I read this post, it brought back to mind the many soldiers and officers that I used to know, when I was small and overseas. In the years since, I often wonder what has become of them, if they survived and returned home safely or if they ended their lives in some far away land. This post also reminded me of when my dad’s funeral. On that day, one man who I had always thought of as a professor revealed that he had been serving his country in a difference capacity for decades. And there were many others who were like him. I made me realize that there is a whole host of men who stand around this nation to protect it, and perhaps die doing so, for the sake of those like me. It made me once again feel like such a debtor to the police officer I saw today, the fireman standing by his truck, the unknown soldier in Afghanistan, and the countless others who work keep my civilian life peaceful, regular and free of so many troubles.

By: Vivian L

Vivian L — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:39:37 +0000

Thank you for this sharing Pastor Will, I was moved by the story of William Windrich’s who persevered and fought so hard to defend a country they never knew and a people they had never met. I am amazed at their selflessness and willingness to sacrifice their lives and really reminded me that I am indebted to far more people than I think.

By: Steven C

Steven C — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:03:39 +0000

Thanks for the post Pastor Will,

Veteran’s Day has more meaning to me now than when I was growing up. Almost exactly three years ago, my friend Jang Ho Kim gave his life while serving in Iraq. He was only 20 years old.

I’m thankful for his service and his sacrifice and the hundreds of thousands of brave Americans who defend the freedoms we enjoy. But I’m sooo thankful that death is not the end for Jang, and that because of our Lord we will one day see each other again in heaven. Praise God for that awesome hope.

By: And the Thanksgiving Dare Begins! - Gracepoint Berkeley – Koinonia Christian Fellowship – Gracepoint Berkeley Ministries

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:59:08 +0000

[...] today is Veteran’s Day, I recommend the entry about Veteran’s Day posted by Pastor William [...]

By: Ernestine Yeung

Ernestine Yeung — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:28:13 +0000

Thank you for sharing, P. William and John.

What you said here really hit me…
“I am indebted to them for giving me life and for helping me “find my life” when I am self absorbed or feeling sorry for myself.”

b/c so often I AM self-absorbed or feeling sorry for myself, but taking a look outside of myself I see that there is a people to be indebted to, there is also a people to rise up and serve, and most importantly there is a God to honor.

Reading this post this morning of Veteran’s Day really changed my perspective of this American holiday.

By: williamkang

williamkang — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:40:40 +0000

Thank John for those words. I will remember our soliders and families at Ft. Hood, along with all of our veterans today. Thank you for the reminder.

By: John Lin

John Lin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:36:22 +0000

Thank you for this post.

Before I too didn’t see Veteran’s Day being more than just a holiday from school. But through our church I’ve learned to appreciate much more the sacrifice of those who served in our military, to provide us the freedom we enjoy, including the freedom to worship God without any barriers. For that I am very thankful.

My supervisor (who proudly served in the Marines) yesterday even showed us a special happy birthday video to the Marines as it was their 234th Birthday. The video expressed their courage and bravery in service to our country, willing to give their lives for their fellow soldiers, and living out their motto, Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful). And it was a challenge for me to also live a life of faithfulness in my spiritual walk.

Finally, to bring things closer to home, the recent tragedy at Ft. Hood affected us as some of our students in Austin live in the Killeen area (just about over 1 hour from UT). Their parents or close relatives served in the military, and thankfully they are all safe, but it was a tragic event nonetheless that affected everyone in that community – and we all prayed for healing for those families affected.

By: Jen Tse

Jen Tse — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:31:08 +0000

Sounds like it’s time for a Class of 08 sisters peer trip to Washington D.C. too!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:58:16 +0000

Thanks for sharing P. Will. I’m very thankful that we are taught how to be grateful, how to remember, and how to notice what’s around us at our church. I never saw my life as that “United Airline hub” imagery that P. Ed mentioned and only saw the artificial boundary around me. I feel truly enriched knowing that even if I didn’t know even the founding fathers from 200+ years ago or these brave people who gave their lives so that my own relatives could survive so that I could be here today that their lives have affected mine. In the same manner, when I became aware as a Jr. of the magnitude of what God had been doing all along around me and in my own life and when I became aware of all that my leaders had done for me I became overwhelmed. So much blessing & richness for a sinner like me? What mercy & amazing grace that is. Thank you for sharing. The retreat, the message on Sun and this entry made me think about the many ways in which I am so richly blessed.

By: Jenn Chen

Jenn Chen — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:28:57 +0000

Thanks for your post, Pastor Will! Reading about different men and women who served our country so selflessly and willingly was truly so touching, and is a good reminder to me to also live my life in this way.