We are at liberty to enjoy such occasions, thanks to those service men and women who gave their all, so that we could and can. It is not too much to ask that Memorial Day be spent primarily to honor them.

The other day I went to the VA Medical Center in The East Bay where I would take a shuttle bus to Mare Island. Signs on those shuttles say, "All gave some--Some gave all."

Waiting for the passengers and the driver, I noticed a white van pull up slowly to the front entrance of the care center. I knew instantly that it was the coroner's van, to pick up a veteran who had died.

When he was brought out on the gurney there was no member of his family or any friends to be with him. Perhaps he was the only one left in his family, or maybe he had been set aside and forgotten. He died alone. He was one of the 2,000 WW II veterans who died on this day. I saw them put him in the van, close the back door and slowly drive away.

Stock Photo

Bugler Plays Taps at Arlilngton

As my shuttle pulled out on its way to Mare Island, tears began rolling down my face as I thought, 'An old soldier died today. And he died alone. Whoever he was, he had put his own life, future and goals aside so that we could have ours.'

"AND YOU SHALL HEAR OF WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS: SEE THAT YE BE NOT TROUBLED: FOR ALL THESE THINGS MUST COME TO PASS BUT THE END IS NOT YET FOR NATION SHALL RISE AGAINST NATION, AND KINGDOM AGAINST KINGDOM: AND THERE SHALL BE FAMINES, AND EARTHQUAKES, IN DIVERS PLACES." - MATTHEW 24:6-7 (KJV)

Dear Prayer Partners,

The last of this month we will be observing our Federal Holiday, National Memorial Day, May 31, 2010. This day is set aside for each of us to reflect with thanksgiving for our freedoms. This is our time to thank the families of our men and women who willingly laid down their lives for each treasured freedom we enjoy here in America. This has come with a great cost to so many of our loved ones and their families. Please take time to pray for each family that has suffered loss and for America in these troubled times. Reflect and remember with thanksgiving every freedom we enjoy as a nation because of the ultimate sacrifice of so many and that we are the beneficiaries of that sacrifice. Let us never forget and take anything for granted.