Little Alex was staring up at the large plaque that hung on the side wall of the church. The plaque was covered with names, and it seemed to fascinate the seven-year-old. “All those names,” he said to the minister. “Who are they?” “Well, they were people who used to go to this church,” explained the minister. “This is a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the services.” Soberly, they stood together, staring at the large plaque. Little Alex’s voice was barely audible when he asked, “Which service, the 9 o’clock, or the 11 o’clock?” Thank goodness Little Alex doesn’t live in our Benefice!
We do not live in a society where you often see service people out on the streets. Did you know that when the police service was formed in Britain in the C19th, it was established as a civilian force, not a branch of the armed services? I don’t know about you, but I always feel a bit uneasy when I see police officers armed with guns, even though I know they are there to protect me.
Of course, in New Testament times it would be commonplace to see soldiers. John the Baptist preached to them and told them to be fair, and not to take advantage of the public. Some service people supported synagogues and even became followers of Jesus. Jesus had a good encounter with a Centurion.
St Paul also would have been familiar with the military. There was often public disorder which the troops dealt with, and of course he himself was under house arrest and in prison. While in prison, he prayed for the prison guards. Paul knew the importance of establishing peace.
On a recent visit to the cinema, we watched “The Great Escaper’ – a true story about an elderly veteran (Bernie who escaped from his care home on the south coast and managed to get to France in time for the 704 Anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Normandy. During his trip he visits the grave of a young soldier he served with. As Bernie surveys the seemingly never-ending rows of headstones at the cemetery he says “What a waste… what a waste” A moving moment when you definitely need a tissue to catch the tears.
It is good to pray for our police, our soldiers and all those in the forces. They have devoted their lives to doing a very difficult job, in often tremendously challenging circumstances. This month we come together around the world to remember those who gave their lives so that we have our freedom; we also remember those who continue to serve and for those who lives have been forever changed by the horrors of war.
St Paul reminds us in the third chapter of the book of Colossians that we are to be clothed in love, to bear with one another and to live lives of peace. So let us do just that – remembering that our freedom came at a great cost. In honour of those who gave their lives – that they did not do so in vain – that their deaths were not a waste.
Revd Jo.