“Why do we need a military filled with our best and brightest? So we are always ready to defend our Land of Liberty from our enemies, both from abroad and within.”
“The Big Red One” is the nickname for the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division, the first and most storied and decorated division in the Army. The “BRO” is routinely the first division sent into war settings. They saw their initial action during WWI in 1917, and were also ordered to serve in WWII, Vietnam, The Balkans, Iraq and in the War on Terror. (Image from 1st Infantry Division Facebook Page)
The Division won America’s first victory in WW1 at the Battle of Cantigny in France, pushing back German forces at the cost of over 1,000 U.S. soldiers. There were also incredible acts of valor on the battlefield, resulting in five members receiving the Medal of Honor, which is the military’s most revered award for combat. One of those recipients was Sergeant Michael Ellis.
Machine gun nests were a continual threat to troop movements, consequently soldiers were needed to scout them out and eliminate their operators. Sergeant Ellis volunteered for this dangerous role. According to an official military report, on one occasion “he single-handedly advanced under heavy fire and captured 27 prisoners, including 2 officers and 6 machineguns, which had been holding up the advance of the company. The captured officers indicated the locations of 4 other machineguns, and he in turn captured these, together with their crews, at all times showing marked heroism and fearlessness.”
Why do we need a military filled with our best and brightest like Sergeant Ellis? So we are always ready to defend our Land of Liberty from our enemies, both abroad and within. President George Washington, who also led America’s Continental Army said it best, “to be prepared for war is one of the most effectual ways of preserving peace.”
There would never be a need to take up arms if it was not for one thing: the evil in men’s hearts. Never has there been a war, which first did not start in the hearts of men. Hate, greed, pride and dangerous lusts for power have all driven men to throw their youths on the anvils of death. President Regan once stated the somber realities of war as “…the stark truth of suffering and sacrifice and the slain promise of youth.” And President Thomas Jefferson once eloquently declared, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance,” and that vigilance is seen through a military constantly in training and always prepared.
However, is one truly free simply by living in a land of freedom?
There are millions of Americans exercising their freedoms day by day, yet are ruled by a tyrant and evil dictator. It is the curse of sin within them. They are controlled by their foul lusts, deceptive selfishness and blind pride. Their indwelling enemy has taken them unknowingly down a path of captivity.
The Division won America’s first victory in WW1 at the Battle of Cantigny in France, pushing back German forces at the cost of over 1,000 U.S. soldiers. There were also incredible acts of valor on the battlefield, resulting in five members receiving the Medal of Honor, which is the military’s most revered award for combat. One of those recipients was Sergeant Michael Ellis.
Machine gun nests were a continual threat to troop movements, consequently soldiers were needed to scout them out and eliminate their operators. Sergeant Ellis volunteered for this dangerous role. According to an official military report, on one occasion “he single-handedly advanced under heavy fire and captured 27 prisoners, including 2 officers and 6 machineguns, which had been holding up the advance of the company. The captured officers indicated the locations of 4 other machineguns, and he in turn captured these, together with their crews, at all times showing marked heroism and fearlessness.”
Why do we need a military filled with our best and brightest like Sergeant Ellis? So we are always ready to defend our Land of Liberty from our enemies, both abroad and within. President George Washington, who also led America’s Continental Army said it best, “to be prepared for war is one of the most effectual ways of preserving peace.”
There would never be a need to take up arms if it was not for one thing: the evil in men’s hearts. Never has there been a war, which first did not start in the hearts of men. Hate, greed, pride and dangerous lusts for power have all driven men to throw their youths on the anvils of death. President Regan once stated the somber realities of war as “…the stark truth of suffering and sacrifice and the slain promise of youth.” And President Thomas Jefferson once eloquently declared, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance,” and that vigilance is seen through a military constantly in training and always prepared.
However, is one truly free simply by living in a land of freedom?
There are millions of Americans exercising their freedoms day by day, yet are ruled by a tyrant and evil dictator. It is the curse of sin within them. They are controlled by their foul lusts, deceptive selfishness and blind pride. Their indwelling enemy has taken them unknowingly down a path of captivity.
There is only one man, who can set them free. Only He can rise to their aide and deliver them. Who is He? Christ the King! He declared of Himself “…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
Jesus faced the enemy of men’s souls’ eye to eye, and crushed his head. He took the whole world upon Himself and fought an unseen spiritual battle that determined to enslave the souls of the entire human race. How did He combat this most powerful threat? He laid Himself down on an old wooden cross. He sacrificed Himself, shed His blood and lay in a grave. Then on the third day He rose, conquering death.
Jesus, one man, took on the whole world – and won! Now he comes with the spoils of victory offering you freedom. Today, turn from your ways and call upon Jesus, and you will be set free. Or if you choose, you can remain in your enslavement and one day face the King’s judgement.
A prayer for you – Lord God, we thank you for the men and women that have given their lives in defense our nation. We invite your protective hand upon America. Help us to walk in your ways and to be a people whose hearts have been set free by the King of kings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jesus faced the enemy of men’s souls’ eye to eye, and crushed his head. He took the whole world upon Himself and fought an unseen spiritual battle that determined to enslave the souls of the entire human race. How did He combat this most powerful threat? He laid Himself down on an old wooden cross. He sacrificed Himself, shed His blood and lay in a grave. Then on the third day He rose, conquering death.
Jesus, one man, took on the whole world – and won! Now he comes with the spoils of victory offering you freedom. Today, turn from your ways and call upon Jesus, and you will be set free. Or if you choose, you can remain in your enslavement and one day face the King’s judgement.
A prayer for you – Lord God, we thank you for the men and women that have given their lives in defense our nation. We invite your protective hand upon America. Help us to walk in your ways and to be a people whose hearts have been set free by the King of kings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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