It's remembrance time again and we focus on the effects of war around
the world, and those who have paid the price.
Of course, the war in Afghanistan is coming to an end with the promise
of British soldiers returning home next year.
But we all know that a lot can happen in a year, and for the time being
the fighting continues.
I attended a presentation from the Mercian Regiment a few weeks ago that
pointed out the human cost of the war: that for every person killed in action,
there are many more who are damaged, both physically and mentally. We see much less of these casualties – for
those who have lost limbs there are no processions and cheering crowds to
welcome them home, it's hard to see how many there are, or what happens to them
once they’re home again.
After the difficulties and dangers of battle in Afghanistan these brave
young men and women have another battle to fight – the battle to walk, to have
independence, to live and work in civilian life again. Thankfully there are people to help them –
beyond the doctors, nurses and physiotherapists, there are organisations like
the British Legion, Help for Heroes, and a host of others who help, and support
them through life, and help us all remember them.
We remember their commitment and loyalty, their courage and discipline,
and values such as respect and integrity, which we see in so many ways. These values are at the core of our armed
services, and they are core values that I see as Chaplain to many of the cadet
forces in Crewe.
As Chaplain I see these values in the life and death of Jesus Christ; in
his teaching of service and respect, the way he lived his life for others with
total integrity; the way he courageously faced evil as he went to his death on
the cross. Jesus died in our place in an
act of self-sacrifice, that we may know God as our Father, and he gave us an
example for life.
May we live out these Christian values on which our society is founded,
and teach them to the next generations.
No comments:
Post a Comment