Here are John Stonestreet and David Carlson about the stories still being written:
Chuck Colson never missed a single Memorial Day opportunity to remind us all to remember the fallen. Often he did so by telling the stories of those who sacrificed their lives so that others might live.
In just a moment, I want you to hear one such story from Chuck himself, from World War II. But before we do, there’s something else we should all remember. Some stories are still being written.
Since 2001, nearly 7,000 American service members have died overseas in any number of conflicts. So far this year, that number is 16. And their stories need to be heard as well. More on that in just a moment. First, here’s Chuck Colson.
It was February 1945—three months before the end of World War II. Eighteen-year-old Sergeant Joseph George was stationed in Lorient, France. It was evening, and George was preparing to go on patrol. The Americans were hoping to locate landmines buried by the Germans.
Sergeant George had been on patrol duty the night before. As he told his friend Private James Caudill, he was tired—tired and scared. Private Caudill offered to take the patrol on his behalf. He pointed out that, at age 36, he was nearly two decades older than George. He told George—who had already been blown off a torpedoed ship—to go home and live a full, rich life. And then Private Caudill went out on patrol. A few hours later, he was killed by a German sniper.
The actions of Private Caudill echo the values and valor of generations of military men and women we remember today. And it’s an example of the sort of behavior we almost take for granted when it comes to our men and women in uniform who fight just wars.
What is a just war? One that is defined as providing a proportionate response to evil, to protect non-combatants, among other considerations. Today, our military men and women around the world are fighting to resist evil. Ridding the world of Islamo-fascism—by just means—is a good and loving act.
Read more: Breakpoint
