Courage Under Fire (from David)

David sent me this blog post. It is dated November 16, 2009.

David writes:

I've been reading the book Flags of our Fathers about the six flag raisers on Iwo Jima during WWII.  It was made into a movie in the last few years.  I am in awe of the sheer courage and commitment of the young Marines who fought in one of the most important, and deadliest, battles of any war.  There were 7,000 U.S. deaths and more than 25,000 casualties.  The Japanese lost almost everyone of their 22,000 men on the island.

The Marines faced a Japanese army that was entrenched in the island.  They had dug bunkers and tunnels throughout the island making it almost inpenetrable.

The Marines attacked the island in February of 1943.  For 30 days they battled an invisible enemy, suffered huge casualties and demoralizing fear.  But because they were fighting for each other, for their buddy next to them, they never gave up.  They were truly heroes.

I can only aspire to building that kind of relationship with the people in my life.  That I'm willing to sacrifice for them.  It may not ever require that I sacrifice my life, but for me to live each day for others is my point.  For so many years, 43 to be exact, I lived for myself.  Now I strive to be selfless rather than selfish.  Giving rather than getting.  Caring rather than being cared for.

Thank God we have people willing to lay down their lives for others to ensure our freedom.  I pray that we all strive to live that principle.

God bless,
David