Memorial Day

I copied this post from someone’s facebook status today:

“I believe it takes special gifts and graces to join one of our armed forces and serve our Country. I believe that God chose those individuals and equipped them with those gifts. I today thank God for those He chose and for those that accepted His call. I appreciate all you’ve done and all the sacrifices you have made for me, my family and this country. Well done good and faithful servants! God Bless!”

I know this poster meant well, but I don’t think all the men and women who serve in the armed forces would agree with her way of thinking. First of all, not all soldiers are christian, and we have to recognize and accept that fact. I find this post to be a bit offensive, albeit unintentionally, because it takes away the free will and courage of our soldiers, and their desire to serve this country.

These men and women made a choice to serve our country. They put aside some of their own freedoms, left their family and friends behind, put some of their careers on hold, to make a commitment to our country and those living in it. Neither I, the original poster, nor anyone else has the right to take that choice away from them. I’m sure god is proud of them what they have done, but I don’t believe he molded and guided them to do it.

Especially on this Memorial Day, the men and women of our armed forces deserve our respect and gratitude. They do not deserve to have that taken away from them, and given to someone’s impression of their god. They deserve ALL the gratitude and credit for the choice they made.

Thank you, all men and women, serving in the armed forces to protect my country and my freedoms. May you receive all the respect you deserve today, and every day. May your god be proud of you for wonderful person you are.