"Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those that persecute me.” ~ Psalm 31:15
They were only kids on that cloudy morning in northern
France. Richard, a D-Day veteran, was 19 when assigned to a tank landing craft
that landed at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. More than 30,000 survived machine
gunfire, storming the beach before nightfall. Now 99, he still recalls hosing
blood off the deck from some of those 2,501 who’d perish that day.
Richard struggled to stand as the advancing color guard
approached. He remained at attention for the National Anthem and the Pledge of
Allegiance.
A singer was then introduced. She was just 7 years old.
Madison wore a patriotic dress with red, white, and blue
sequins. She strode confidently onto the stage, microphone in hand, and raised her
arms poignantly. The girl beamed affectionately as she sang: “God Bless
America, land that I love!”
The ballad was written in 1938 by Irving Berlin in hopes “that
it’ll continue to be popular, especially in times when people feel a need for
some vocal expression of their patriotism.”
Her voice climbed until it wavered, imbuing every word with
humility, as she admired the centenarians with gratitude: “Through the night,
with a light, from Above.” And as the song reached a booming crescendo, Madison
raised her hands emphatically, palms up... and belted: “God bless America,
my home sweet home!”
It all made sense – her eyes had shone so brilliantly.
Her performance came from a little girl’s heart, a budding
life. Her ambition was to shine. She hoped to shine a bright light upon those
who sacrificed, defended our freedom, and love America.
Warriors sat before her, who’d fought against darkness, and
who would soon return to inescapable darkness. There’s a spiritual side to war,
and it’s best expressed by the old adage, "There are no atheists in
foxholes!" Many soldiers pray when shrapnel and bullets fly, if not
audibly, then silently in God's presence.
Her Dad, a disabled Gulf War veteran, proudly wears his
Purple Heart. Her grandfather retired as a Navy Master Chief, and she currently
has numerous cousins serving our country." Madison’s Mom revealed, "We
teach our children to honor our veterans for all that they do every day.
It’s everyone’s responsibility to instill respect and
empathy for veterans in our kids. Sharing stories and personal accounts of service
members helps children understand their experiences and appreciate their
contributions. Sharing D-Day is another opportunity to teach young people about
the importance of their service and sacrifice.
“Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our
Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our
Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering
humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness
to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith. Amen” (FDR,
June 6, 1944)
