"Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard, Josh Bernard, American Hero
I dragged myself home after an extremely hot and busy day at the lumberyard... I checked the news immediately, somehow believing that if the following never made the news, then it never happened...
"Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard, 21, of New Portland, Maine, died Aug. 14 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay."
...So, yes it was on the news, and yes, it really is true... all I could do is cry "one more time", knowing full well that the tears will linger and return many more times in the future.
Many of you do not know Josh, or his family. Those of you that did know Josh were keenly aware of his exceptional qualities... and that he came from the finest of families. He was a friend, strong, yet sensitive, and willing to put his life on the line not only for his Country, but for his Christian beliefs. As we have sat grieving with his family and friends, we have heard many wonderful things about him, about how much he CARED. He was not one to judge another, and held fast to his faith in God, striving to live his life as would bring Glory to God. I understand that he had been given the title "Holy man" over there, and had the respect of the men that he served with. I can think of no more honorable way for a man to walk in this world... we have suffered a heavy loss.
So, I grieve. I know that many of you are also reeling from this tragic loss. It will be a long time of grieving. We will grieve for our loss... we will grieve for his wonderful parents, and the most terrific sister a man could ever have, and the aching pain of their loss...
So, now I make these simple requests, that those of you that knew Josh will somehow rejoice amid the tears, thankful that God Blessed us with his presence, if even for this brief time... that ALL of you will take a moment to honor him for his service to our Country... YOUR Country. That you will lift his family and friends in powerful prayer. I believe it is the only thing that will help them heal.
With heavy, yet hopeful, heart, I ask God to Bless me, you, and, especially, the Bernard family.
Stand down Marine, your mission is complete. May our Heavenly Father welcome You home to rest.
Semper-Fi
Stickman "
Memorial Day... It certainly is a great, fun time, with a three-day weekend, paid day off from work, firing up the grill with the family, going to camp, etc. ...yes, it has become that. I am asking that you will also take a few moments to remember.
Memorial Day is a day designated for all of us to be able to take time, (ALL DAY IF YOU SHOULD CHOOSE), to remember and honor the men and women who have died in service to our country.
Perhaps you will read this blog tomorrow, after the three-day weekend is finished. Maybe you will read this post in a week, or month from now... but, maybe even then you would remember, and take a moment to reflect, honoring our brave men and women who have offered up their ultimate sacrifice while in service to all of us.
'nuff said... God Bless.
Stickman
http://www.scripturesticks.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment