Veteran’s Day

Today is Veteran’s Day and a time when we remember that those in the military make real Jonn F. Kennedy’s inauguration statement, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.” Those of you who frequent this blog will remember that I had a younger brother, Alan James Meisheid, Pfc 101 Airborne, August 10, 1968Alan James Meisheid, who died in Vietnam (panel 44 west, Vietnam War Memorial). He was in the 101 Airborne and was very proud of the screaming eagle patch on his shoulder. Both myself (Air Force) and my youngest brother, James Paul Meisheid (Army), served in the Armed Forces. We all enlisted.

To all who have put their lives on the line in the service of this country I thank you, especially those from whom was asked the fullest measure of devotion. For you all, I will repeat this poem by Edward William Bok (1863–1930). The Americanization of Edward Bok. 1921.

XXXV. At the Battle-Fronts in the Great War.

For the passing souls we pray,
Saviour, meet them on their way;
Let their trust lay hold on Thee
Ere they touch eternity.

Holy counsels long forgot
Breathe again ’mid shell and shot;
Through the mist of life’s last pain
None shall look to Thee in vain.

To the hearts that know Thee, Lord,
Thou wilt speak through flood or sword;
Just beyond the cannon’s roar,
Thou art on the farther shore.

For the passing souls we pray,
Saviour, meet them on the way;
Thou wilt hear our yearning call,
Who hast loved and died for all.

While I know that you cannot pray after the fact for someone who has died, expecting to change anything, I do pray regularly for my brother, knowing that God, not constrained by time, hears my prayers today for my brother then. I pray remembering Isaiah 65:24

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

Go in grace and peace all you serve.

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