The USS New York was the fifth in a new class of warships designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.
Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, La., to cast the ships’ bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept. 9, 2003, those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence, recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. It was a deeply emotional and reverent moment for everybody there.
Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the hair on my neck stood up.
That tangled heap of steel had a big meaning to it for all of us, he said. The terrorists knocked us down, but they can’t keep us down. The bell of Freedom still rings a clear message from America.
The ships motto? - Never Forget
Some may take the motto Never Forget almost as holding a grudge, but we need to focus on the thought, If we forget our past of what has happened, then it is very likely that history will repeat itself. We should never forget the blood that has been shed around the world so we can enjoy the freedoms which we enjoy every day. We must never forget those who have lost sons, daughters, husbands, mothers, fathers and friends for the freedom we enjoy. You may say, what freedom, well let’s take a look, we have freedom of religion, freedom to worship how we want, and to worship what ever God we feel we need to worship. Our flag stands for the freedom that we each enjoy today. Our flag stands for those who have given their lives to sacrifice so you can stand to say, you disagree. Not only does the American flag stand for the freedom as a country, but the Christian flag stands for the freedom we enjoy as Christians.
The Christian flag is the only free flag in the world. It is different from every other flag, religious or secular, ancient or modern. It is uncontrolled, independent, and universal. Unlike all national flags and all denominational flags of various churches, it has no earthly bonds or allegiances. Christ and Christ alone is its Master. Without limitation, it exists for all the world’s people regardless of sex, race, national boundary, economic condition, affluence, or poverty, politics, slavery or freedom. It cannot be restricted by any nation or denomination. This unique, universal quality makes it like the air we breathe, belonging to all and yet owned by none. For those who want it, wherever and whenever, it is freely theirs.
The Christian flag is one of the oldest unchanged flags in the world. It was conceived at Brighton Chapel, Coney Island, New York, Sunday, September 26, 1897, and was presented in its present form the following Sunday by its originator. On that day, the Christian flag was born.
The white on the flag represents purity and peace. The blue stands for faithfulness, truth, and sincerity. Red, of course, is the color of sacrifice, in this case calling to mind the blood shed by Christ on Calvary, represented by the cross.
The first pledge to the Christian flag was written by Methodist pastor Lynn Harold Hough in 1908.
"I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands. One brotherhood, uniting all mankind, in service and love."
This Memorial Day weekend we should never forget the soldiers of our country who gave up their lives. Because many brave men and women have died in the armed services fighting for our country’s freedom, we too have a chance at life, a life of freedom. Both freedom and life never come without a price. The blood of many fine soldiers paid for the freedom that we have today, just as the blood of Jesus Christ paid for the eternal lives of those who receive Him as Lord and Savior. A price has to be paid for freedom and life, and that price is the death of another. Someone, or something, has to die in order that we might live.
As we pause to remember those who have made the supreme sacrifice for our great country, let us not forget those who currently serve in our armed forces, and those who lead our country. Please take a few moments to pray for the provision of their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. Pray for their protection, and ask God to bless their loved ones here at home.
Lord, You have blessed us as a nation with great freedom and riches. Thank You
----copied
Blessings,
1 comment:
Thanks for sharing.
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