"Behind a church in the small town of Flint Hill, Virginia, you will find the grave of a young seminary student named Albert Gallatin Willis who died on October 14, 1864. Albert Willis' story is unusual. Albert Willis served with the famed command of Mosby's Raiders during the Civil War. Because of Mosby's harassment of Federal supply trains, wagons, and stores, General Phil Sheridan ordered that Mosby and any of his men be hung on capture.
In October 1864, Willis and an unnamed comrade were captured by the 2nd U. S. Cavalry and sentenced to die by hanging. However, Willis was offered a Chaplain's exemption as a ministerial student. But because his companion was married, young Willis offered himself as a substitute for the comrade and died in his place so that the other might go free. Willis professed his 'Christian Readiness To Die,' prayed for his executioners, and was hanged." (Larry Vaughn, SermonCentral.com)
On Memorial Day, we remember the many sacrifices made by those in the military and their families. We give thanks for our country and the freedoms we enjoy that were obtained and are maintained for us at such great cost.
Memorial Day is all about remembering those stories of sacrifice. It is with grateful hearts we remember those who died and those who gave up sons and daughters on behalf of our country.
But there was one Father whose sacrifice was greatest of all. God the Father watched from Heaven’s portal as His only Son went to a far off place to serve. Jesus, God’s Son, left His home to come and dwell in enemy territory. He showed us how to live a life of integrity, courage and honor. Then He gave up His life so we could be free. There is no greater love. There is no greater sacrifice.
As you pause to remember sacrifices made on our behalf this Memorial Day weekend, be sure to thank our God for His greatest sacrifice.
If you would like, add a comment at the end of this post to express your thanks for all our military men and women or for a veteran in your own family.
2 comments:
I am grateful this Memorial Day for my dad, who served in the Army in WW 2, and at age 91 is still a proud veteran. I'm also thankful for my brother, Doug, who served with the Marines in Viet Nam and my brother, Bob, who served in the Army in Germany. I praise God for brave men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom.
I am greatful for my dad who served on a naval aircraft carrier during WW 2 in the Pacific, for his brother who served in the army in Europe and for my mother's brother who served in the armed forces during WW 2. All young men willing to give and sacrifice for their country. I am also thankful for at least one great-great grandfather that I am aware of who was willing to leave his wife and young child to fight for the union forces to preserve our nation during the Civil War. And I am thankful that we still today have young men and women who are willing to make these same sacrifices so that not only can we keep our freedom, but so that others can be free.
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