Ruptured Duck

“In a world filled with sin, hatred, and evil, war is inevitable." ~ Romans 3: 10-18

Harold sat pensively by the window.  It’s July 4^th and for most Americans, firing up their grills and watching fireworks are about as meaningful as this holiday will get.  Most won’t really consider the sacrifices that paid for this Independence Day.

Harold remembers the war and all of its horror.  He still hears the thunder of bombs exploding around him, the deathly quiet, the blood curdling screams.  He’s tried to forget but his mind won't let him.  Some friends came home, others didn’t; but none were unchanged.

He never considered himself a hero.  No, not a bit.  He simply went where his country asked him to go.  Harold went because he’d been raised in a God-fearing family who believed in brotherhood and freedom with all their hearts.  He was raised to believe with every fiber of being, that God truly inspired America’s leaders, guiding their every decision. 

So how could he ignore Uncle Sam’s call for help . . . without hesitation?  To him, he didn’t do anything special.  He just went where his country told him to go, that’s all!”

Now, he strains to hear the music they play as they march down the street in the annual parade, forgetting that the city ended the parade years ago.  The people in charge didn't think that wars should be honored any more.

He marched down that street the year he returned home from France.  Soldiers were heroes then.  Adults cheered and children waved little flags.  Times were different.

Wherever you went people smiled and shook your hand if they noticed the small “Ruptured Duck” you wore on your lapel.  Civilian soldiers wore them proudly back then. 

His “Duck” now rests in the drawer by the nightstand.  He stopped wearing it the day someone pointed at it and asked what it was.  There just weren't enough words to explain it.

Not many flags on the street today.  Back then, flags hung everywhere.  Americans were proud of “Old Glory” and treasured what she stood for.  It wasn't something hidden in a garage, or the attic.  Nobody would have ever considered burning it – or God-forbid, stomping on it. 

No, the old days are gone now.  Gone like the days when it was patriotic to serve, patriotic to vote, and patriotic to help a neighbor in need.

Still at 72, he’ll always honor those men and women whose names are written on that granite wall, or who can’t fight for themselves anymore.  He’ll always stand up for what’s right and for those who can’t protect themselves.  He’ll never forget his comrades in arms and will always, to the last day on the soil they fought for - be grateful for Independence Day.

Father, we the people in the land of the free and the home of the brave desperately need You.  We beg for Your guidance and wisdom for our leaders.  Please protect us from our enemies, both within and without.  Amen