HE STILL WANTS YOU

The poster pictured is a duplicate of the first Uncle Sam poster. It appeared in Leslie's magazine July 6, 1916. It didn't say "Uncle Sam Wants You". Instead it poses the question "What are You Doing for Preparedness?" It may not have the same ring to it, but it still is a good rhetorical question.

And that question has so many applications on so many different levels. But for today, I'll leave it at one. Are you prepared to thank a veteran today? It is 11/11 Veterans Day. Everyone knows a vet. Thank at least one today for his/her service to our country.

We have two WWII veterans at our church that I know of. Our pastor formed a committee of three of us to interview, write up a script, and create a video to be shown on Sunday's service before Veteran's Day. It slipped right through the cracks. We agreed to do it, we agreed to give our time, and never had one meeting.

Since that time, one of the veterans had his wife of 61 years pass away. His health is failing, too, and the family is not sure how long he can continue to live by himself. So I'm feeling some remorse today for not doing due diligence, not doing my part.

I have a neighbor who was a colonel in Viet Nam; actually he was promoted after being award the Silver Star in Viet Nam. You can rest assured that I will thank him today for his service.

Not that it will make up for my overlooking such an important task at our church, but on Veterans Day 2009, I intend to honor at least one vet. Please join me.