By Dr. Richard Pace
Chaplains are more sensitive to the tangle of emotions Memorial Day creates for many people. The pride in a loved one’s patriotic service is entwined with the disdain for war. The joy of living in freedom is knotted with sorrow for its high cost. The wave of grief that comes when remembering a fallen battle buddy is followed by a second wave of guilt for being a survivor. The love for life is overshadowed by the real love of a warrior who was willing to sacrifice all for the benefit of a stranger.
Church of God Chaplains provide significant ministry to those who serve in the military. You preach the gospel on the battlefield to those who may not come home and you volunteer in the homeless shelter to those who came home emotionally wounded. You nurture the spirit of those who make it to your hospitals and clinics, and you encourage the souls of those who show up at your food kitchens.
As the Nation remembers Memorial Day, those who have served us all, I want to thank all of our Church of God Chaplains who have served our troops in some way.
Richard L. Pace, D.Min., is Endorser and Coordinator for Church of God Vocational Chaplaincy Ministries