Armistice Day-November 11 during WW2
WHEN THE GUNS STOP
They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Micah 4:3.
To most men in service, the time visualized by Micah seems a long way off. Even the day when the present war will end seems to be endlessly distant. Yet will it come sooner, perhaps, than any of us anticipate. It might be well to be spiritually ready for the let-down that the armistice will bring.
I was in France about eight kilometers behind the front lines when World War I stopped. My brother and I took a walk out into the countryside in the Argonne Forest. We came upon a bonfire about two miles out of town, there being no further need for a blackout.
The boys around the fire were singing hymns. The chaplain led in prayer, and then gave a short message telling the soldiers what peace could mean. that scene of peace and good fellowship with "Blest be the tie that binds" ringing in our ears.
We left, back in town, however, the cafes were full; and drunken soldiers were spewed out on the sidewalk. We saw one man with his head cut open-not by an enemy bullet but by a beer bottle in the hands of an inebriated friend.
Perhaps the pattern for the twenty-year peace was from the fabric of that celebration. Or a drunken peace.
It will either have in it the elements of when peace comes it will be either a prayer-meeting peace good goodwill and understanding of the needs of all people, or be stupid and bestial.
The latter will result in a brief armistice: the former may result in a world wherein dwelleth righteousness.
PRAYER
Although now we be men of war, our Father. Thou knowest that we would rather be men of peace. Help us to learn those principles upon which a lasting peace may be built. Help us to learn to love one another. Help us to walk in the footsteps of our peace-loving Prince of Peace. In His Name. Amen. — NORMAN E. NYGAARD, Chaplain, Lockheed Oversea
On Veterans Day formally known as Armistice Day always reminds me of the importance of the warfighter. No matter when in time or where they may serve we wouldn't exist in this state of liberty.
As a civilian, I can't help but think of all the veterans who have impacted me throughout childhood and even today. You find people in life that hold the wisdom from beyond your field of vision and if wise yourself, you hold on to them.
Imagine a day when the warrior is no longer needed? When the weapons of war can be torn down, melted, and recycled into instruments of peace?
The Chaplain reminds us of something very important. We honor the Veteran who gave it all to either secure or defend peace. But wouldn't it be the greatest of honor to do right with the peace given but was earned by blood?
Shall we get lost in stupid and bestial living which in return attracts all things negative and creates the weakest of leaders?
The stupid and bestial will destroy peace faster than the way of righteousness.
Although we are not yet with the Lord standing before us in His return, we know that today is all we have. Tomorrow could be better or worse. But today everyone must decide rather in the state of peace or of war, what will you do in the time of peace?
Will you show and teach righteousness or will we sow the ills of sin and corruption?
Allowing our folly to lead us to war yet again? This is to everyone not just the USA but all people.
The ideology that teaches war in its doctrines unfortunately demands that those who stand ready are prepared to wipe it out. Until the hearts and minds are brought to redemption in the Lord, there will always be a need for the warfighter.
Let us never lose the difference of need. The need to be people of war is only to gain or secure peace. To defend life, liberty, and property.
Once gained, the need for peace must be protected by the heart, mind, body, and soul. Both physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Are we creating a culture of peace or of war? Do we cheer for death or for life?
“Perhaps the pattern for the twenty-year peace was from the fabric of that celebration or a drunken peace.”
May we not be complacent and apathetic in our time of peace. Be prepared for war while praying we never have to enter it. Weave a fabric of righteousness and not of drunken slumber.
Thank you Veteran for serving. Our reality today wouldn't be possible without your sacrifice.
WHEN THE GUNS STOP
They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Micah 4:3.
To most men in service, the time visualized by Micah seems a long way off. Even the day when the present war will end seems to be endlessly distant. Yet will it come sooner, perhaps, than any of us anticipate. It might be well to be spiritually ready for the let-down that the armistice will bring.
I was in France about eight kilometers behind the front lines when World War I stopped. My brother and I took a walk out into the countryside in the Argonne Forest. We came upon a bonfire about two miles out of town, there being no further need for a blackout.
The boys around the fire were singing hymns. The chaplain led in prayer, and then gave a short message telling the soldiers what peace could mean. that scene of peace and good fellowship with "Blest be the tie that binds" ringing in our ears.
We left, back in town, however, the cafes were full; and drunken soldiers were spewed out on the sidewalk. We saw one man with his head cut open-not by an enemy bullet but by a beer bottle in the hands of an inebriated friend.
Perhaps the pattern for the twenty-year peace was from the fabric of that celebration. Or a drunken peace.
It will either have in it the elements of when peace comes it will be either a prayer-meeting peace good goodwill and understanding of the needs of all people, or be stupid and bestial.
The latter will result in a brief armistice: the former may result in a world wherein dwelleth righteousness.
PRAYER
Although now we be men of war, our Father. Thou knowest that we would rather be men of peace. Help us to learn those principles upon which a lasting peace may be built. Help us to learn to love one another. Help us to walk in the footsteps of our peace-loving Prince of Peace. In His Name. Amen. — NORMAN E. NYGAARD, Chaplain, Lockheed Oversea
On Veterans Day formally known as Armistice Day always reminds me of the importance of the warfighter. No matter when in time or where they may serve we wouldn't exist in this state of liberty.
As a civilian, I can't help but think of all the veterans who have impacted me throughout childhood and even today. You find people in life that hold the wisdom from beyond your field of vision and if wise yourself, you hold on to them.
Imagine a day when the warrior is no longer needed? When the weapons of war can be torn down, melted, and recycled into instruments of peace?
The Chaplain reminds us of something very important. We honor the Veteran who gave it all to either secure or defend peace. But wouldn't it be the greatest of honor to do right with the peace given but was earned by blood?
Shall we get lost in stupid and bestial living which in return attracts all things negative and creates the weakest of leaders?
The stupid and bestial will destroy peace faster than the way of righteousness.
Although we are not yet with the Lord standing before us in His return, we know that today is all we have. Tomorrow could be better or worse. But today everyone must decide rather in the state of peace or of war, what will you do in the time of peace?
Will you show and teach righteousness or will we sow the ills of sin and corruption?
Allowing our folly to lead us to war yet again? This is to everyone not just the USA but all people.
The ideology that teaches war in its doctrines unfortunately demands that those who stand ready are prepared to wipe it out. Until the hearts and minds are brought to redemption in the Lord, there will always be a need for the warfighter.
Let us never lose the difference of need. The need to be people of war is only to gain or secure peace. To defend life, liberty, and property.
Once gained, the need for peace must be protected by the heart, mind, body, and soul. Both physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Are we creating a culture of peace or of war? Do we cheer for death or for life?
“Perhaps the pattern for the twenty-year peace was from the fabric of that celebration or a drunken peace.”
May we not be complacent and apathetic in our time of peace. Be prepared for war while praying we never have to enter it. Weave a fabric of righteousness and not of drunken slumber.
Thank you Veteran for serving. Our reality today wouldn't be possible without your sacrifice.