Some Gave All

By Scott Schultz, Session Elder

John 15:13 (KJV) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

“The widely used phrase “All gave some, Some gave all.” is mostly related to the United States military members who were wounded or killed in action. You will probably hear it more often around Memorial Day every year, and it’s not for Veterans Day.” (from Origin of the Phrase “All Gave Some, Some Gave All")

“Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers.” (from “The History of Memorial Day”)

We have been privileged to attend the Governor’s Memorial Day Ceremony at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kane’ohe for quite a few years. Watching the color guard, lei presentations by military service organizations, and 21-gun salute and taps is always moving. Sadly, this event was canceled in 2020 and 2021, but we visited the cemetery to see the flags and flowers and pay our respects. We hope to attend the ceremony again next year.

I included an Our Daily Bread entry (Humble Valor by David C. McCasland) in a devotional I wrote for a 2012 Deacons meeting, and I think it’s appropriate for today. Here is an excerpt:

Heroism is marked by an unselfish risking of life for the benefit of another. In Philippians, Paul commends two of his colleagues as true heroes of the faith. Timothy’s unselfishness and proven character gained Paul’s praise as a true son who had served with him in the gospel (Philippians 2:22). And Paul described Epaphroditus as “my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier” (v25) who risked his life for the work of Christ (v30).

Through a word of encouragement or a tangible expression of appreciation, who can you honor today for their humble valor in serving the Lord and helping others in His name?

Heaven’s heroes never carve their name
On marbled columns built for earthly fame;
They build instead a legacy that springs
From faithful service to the King of kings. — Gustafson

Faith in Christ can make extraordinary heroes out of ordinary people.

As we remember our heroes, let’s also remember that Jesus gave His all for every one of us!

As this song goes, Jesus paid it all.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of freedom as proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Thank You for the heroes who gave their lives to preserve liberty and justice for all. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.