Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have given their life serving in our military. Their death while preserving our dignity and freedom as a country must never be forgotten. I remember the first time I visited Arlington Cemetery and viewed the changing of the guard ceremony. I was moved by the dedication and precision by which this ceremony honored fallen soldiers and memorialized those who go "unknown."
I was memorized by the commitment of the Sentinels of the Third United States Infantry Regiment "Old Guard." Further study revealed that the soldiers must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in the barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. They cannot swear in public FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way.
After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as a guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniform ready for guard duty.
Their Sentinel Creed states:
"My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted. In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter. And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection. Through years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands my respect I protect. His bravery that made us so proud. Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance."
Such commitment is unparalleled in our world today!
And yet, we as Christians have a great cause worth living and dying for. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 reminds us that we are called to this Christian life to live for Christ and be willing to die if necessary. Would it be that we have Soldiers of Christ as committed as the Third United States Infantry Regiment "Old Guard." Something worth thinking about!

From My Heart,
BR

New Publisher

Well, it has been some time since I last blogged. Many things have taken place that have delayed my efforts. WinePress Publishing has closed it's doors and so my old weblog was shut down (I had over 250,000 hits!). I now have a new publisher and my book Simple Living is once again available. My new publisher is Deep River Books. Access their website at www.deepriverbooks.com  and you can access my book in it's second printing.
AND we have moved to the Wetumpka area! We are getting settled in a new community. God has provided a wonderful place for us to live with many new friends.
I hope this brief update will reconnect with my friends in the blogging world.
Thanks for all your prayers and encouraging words as we move forward in the Lord!

From the Heart,
Pastor BR