VETERAN'S DAY 2004

The eleventh day of November was originally called Armistice Day to commemorate the ending of the World War I. After more wars and more endings to conflicts it was decided that it was impossible to have a special day for each one and so the determination was made to honor all veterans on that day.

As a veteran myself, I would like to say that while we are thankful for the remembrances of our nation, we too would like to remember some veterans; Those who did not return.

I can't remember ever talking very long to one from any of the conflicts in which our troops have been engaged, without that person speaking, usually softly, of one who didn't return home. Yes, I know that Memorial Day is for them but for many of us THEY are veterans too and we honor them on this day as well.

Let me share this personal memory. It was January, 1945, when a troop ship tied up to the floating dock on the island of Pavuvu. We didn't know what outfit was stationed there but soon were welcomed to the First Marine Division and assigned to our outfits. My assignment was to a Special Weapons Company.

One by one the men were ordered to report to the Commanding Officer's tent. When my time came, I was apprehensive, thinking this would be a very personal 'this is what I expect of you' type of speech, 'though these were usually given to the group as a unit.

Imagine my surprise when Captain L.K. Hennessy said something like, "At ease, Son. Would you like a cup of coffee? Sit down and relax. I would like to welcome you to this outfit and since we will see some rough times together, I would like to know a little about you." All of my Boot Camp training, Advanced Infantry training, Mechanic's School and Driver's Training, together with a few bad times under a career-hardened Gunny Sargent at M.C.B., San Diego, had failed to prepare me for THIS! His next question, however left me speechless! " How is your relationship with God? Do you know Christ as your Saviour?" He then proceeded to assure me that if I ever wanted to talk about it, don't bother about channels, just come to his tent and say so.

I later learned that I was not singled out, but that every man in his command had been so counselled. I never heard anyone complain about it.

On April 1st, we landed on Okinawa. About a month later there was a desperate need for Officers in the Infantry Companies and our beloved Captain was given command of one. We mourned the loss of our "Ol' Man" but that was nothing compared to our grief a couple of weeks later when word came of his death as he led his men in an attempt to take one of the hills in the Southern part of the Island. They had come under heavy fire and fell back. A wounded man was left behind. There were many willing to volunteer to go back for him, but the Captain's decision was final; "He's my responsibility, I'll go". Neither he nor the other man made it back.

I don't know if his family requested his body be returned to the States after the war, but my memories of him, as I am sure of many others, is that cemetery on Okinawa. I have often looked at the pictures of his grave and thought, "Captain Hennessy, you were a good Marine and a great witness for Christ. Some day, I will proudly stand with you as we honor our Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Jesus Christ, in that final parade as all those in His army pass in review.

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Time for a new look on this page.

Since its inception eight months ago, this site has become more and more a blessing to me. It is proof that when one door is closed, others are opened. Poor health made it necessary for me to retire from active pastoral work several years ago, which made it possible for me to write many of the things that had been on 'hold' while continuing to do some teaching that I so dearly loved to do. The teaching became more and more difficult and then cyber-space opened! What a wonderful privilege it has been to share the Word of God with those of you from all around the world.

My wife and I eagerly examine the guest book each day and rejoice when one of you sees fit to share with us your thoughts on something we have offered. If it has blessed you, we are doubly blessed.

The common theme in all the responses seems to be a universal hunger for the Word of God. Through this medium it has been possible to 'meet' many new brothers and sisters in Christ from all over our globe, a 'phenomenon' that continually amazes us. We thank God for each of you and we especially rejoice when told of one who has accepted Christ through the use of the lessons presented in these pages, realizing it may be just the 'watering' while God gives the increase.

Please pray that we will continue to be able to add new material and that it will be beneficial to those who visit us here.

In Christian love, Freddie