The Rescuers of Veteran’s Day
Greetings from Versailles.
“Jesus who rescues us from the coming wrath.” 1 Thessalonians 1:10
We spent yesterday on the shores of Normandy, which was amazing in that yesterday was Veteran’s Day. We actually walked on the shores of Omaha and Utah. I could see vividly US infantrymen running up the shore, many of them dying, as they served their country by giving their lives on a foreign shore. There were actually remnants of the floating harbor they built.
We drove through the countryside of St. Mere-Eliglese and Carantan. Those of you who watched “Band of Brothers” will recognize these places. The countryside was absolutely stunning. Again in my mind’s eye I could see the 101st Airborne running across the country roads, through the hedges as they encountered German soldiers.
The cliffs above Omaha beach, where the German guns were placed, was riddled with craters the size of houses, left there by the barrage of US warships 60 years ago. The German bunkers, while still there, were crumbling.
What did I learn? The French have a rich history of conflict, and captivity. They know how it feels to be rescued. I pray that they will realize that as a nation, they are once again captive. And once again, their rescuer is nearby.
Blessings and peace,
Pastor Tom
