The 1% - Give Them
The Respect They Are Due!
We hear a great deal about the 1%! Usually it is couched in economic terms. However, the 1% I am alluding to is the 1% I
came to very much respect when I served as the Ecclesiastical Endorser for
Military Chaplains for the United Church of Christ – the overseer for the
selection and support of clergy serving as chaplains in the military. It was through base visits that I learned a
great deal about our men and women who serve in the military. I learned about the life stories of privates
to five-star generals, from seamen to admirals, from airmen to chief master
sergeants. Today fewer than 1% of our
population serves in the military. There
are also 22,000,000 Americans who are veterans of the armed services. Almost all of those who serve and have served
have had no say in the military decisions made by White House residing
administrations or Congressional bodies.
They are placed in harm’s way by others.
They do what they are commanded to do!
They respond to those suffering from tragic acts of nature and they do
battle because of the heinous acts caused by misguided human nature. They build bridges, schools, and hospitals to
better the lives of the poorest of the poor and they risk their lives in doing
battle with those with selfish and treacherous intentions. They are from every racial and ethnic
background. Some have dropped out of
school and others hold advanced degrees.
They have families who love them.
They perform valiant deeds! They
come home – some decorated with honors, some physically or emotionally
challenged, some in flag draped coffins.
Most come home with stories they would prefer to forget!
Thank yous
are fine………………..
But a
listening ear and an understanding heart are also welcomed.
Thank yous
are fine………………..
But support
for the emotional and relational battles that come with re-entry is
appreciated.
Thank yous
are fine………………..
But training
for a job or help in finding good employment are cherished.
Thank yous
are fine………………..
But not
looking down on us because of addictive behaviors that have come with war and
the challenges of re-entry is treasured.
Prayers for
us are fine……………
But putting
your “boots on the ground” in the battle to make our lives whole and holy after
we have experienced the brokenness and horror that comes with war is cherished.
Prayers for
us are fine…………..
But heroic
acts of sharing with those who have the least in the world, those who are most
susceptible to following those who offer any release from their despair, are
welcomed.
Please
remember us and salute us for our service, but, do all that you can do in
waging peace so that we can salute you for your service.
(I rejoice as I share with in the creation of a
distinctive ministry with and for millennial veterans at First Congregational
Church, UCC, Danbury, CT. It is a church
that shows that it offers more than spoken “Thank yous” for your service. It is putting “boots on the ground” in the
name of the One who commanded us to love one another and be peacemakers.)
