WHITEWATER REGION (Beachburg) — The rain came down in buckets, then a sprinkle, then it stopped…but not for long…it rained for most of the Remembrance Day Service in Beachburg on Sunday, Nov. 5, but not one person muttered a complaint or left.
The crowd gathered came to remember those who gave their lives for our country. We remembered those in World War 1, World War 2, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the wars that don’t have names, but were fought in many countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Africa.
The Beachburg Lions hosted the annual event and Lion Jim Labow emceed the event.
Several wreaths were laid to honour the fallen by representatives of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MP Cheryl Gallant and MPP John Yakabuski. Whitewater Region Mayor Hal Johnson laid it on behalf of the residents of the township. Several wreaths were laid by representatives of businesses, organizations and churches.
Pastor Gordon Krause gave the padre’s comments:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” Psalm 46.
Some of you may have heard of Lt. General Sir William Dobbie (of Malta) who was Governor General of Malta during the Second World War – at a time when the defence of Malta was at its darkest hour.
The Italian forces had overwhelming superiority, both in numbers and firepower. Yet, Malta never fell to the enemy – and for their courageous stand – the whole island was awarded the George Cross, the highest civil decoration of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
Historians still cannot understand why the Italians did not take the island, given its strategic position.
Dobbie, a committed Christian, realized the weakness of his position and that God alone was “his present help in trouble.”
His first “Special Order of the Day,” defining policy governing the defence of the island read: “The decision of His Majesty’s Government to fight until our enemies are defeated will have been heard with the greatest satisfaction by all ranks of the garrison of Malta.
It may be that hard times lie ahead of us, but however hard they may be, I know that the courage and determination of all ranks will not falter and that with God’s help we will maintain the security of his fortress.
I therefore call upon all officers and other ranks humbly to seek God’s help and then in reliance upon Him to do this duty unflinchingly.” (A Very Present Help – Sir William Dobbie, p. 11-12.)
Those were the words of a Christian General engaged at the height of the Second World War. His Christian faith was a reality when under fire. He looked to God for strength in the tasks that he had to do.
Although Dobbie survived Malta, the war took its toll and he became an invalid in 1944.
Sadly we take the sacrifice of the many men and women who served in our armed forces during war for granted. We too easily forget the price of the peace we enjoy.
I think Remembrance Sunday is one of the most important services in the Christian year – a time when we stop to remember them.
General Sherman, the American Civil War General once said: “War is hell.” How true it is.
There are so many stories that could be told of those who made the ultimate sacrifice or were some of the lucky ones who survived. And there are many stories of those who did survive but are tormented by the evils of war to this day.
1. The Sacrifice
Today we recall the millions of servicemen and women who gave their lives in both World Wars, the Korean War, the war in Afghanistan, and those involved in peacekeeping conflicts around the world so that we might enjoy peace today.
The ability to remember is a wonderful gift that God has given to mankind. Some of our memories are happy and we can recall wonderful experiences. But, some of our memories are sad and we may weep as we remember them.
Even though the Second World War ended over 70 years ago and the First World War over 100 years ago, it is important that we remember that many still bear the scars of war today.
And it is good for us to remember those who have fought for their country, to support them and to pray for them.
2. Thanks
Today is a day when we say Thank you to all those who made the sacrifice that allows us to stand here today in peace and freedom. But, we must not forget those who are still suffering as a result of all wars.
3. The Love of Christ
As we stand here today, these thoughts of sacrifice should bring us back to the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us all on the battlefield of Calvary.
St. John put it well when he said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lays down his life for his friends (John 15:13).
Jesus gave His life not only for his friends but also for his enemies. As God, Jesus had no need to experience human suffering, but he did for all our sakes.
Man’s evil – what we call sin – has separated us from God. Jesus died to reconcile us to God, by dying in our place – the Perfect One for imperfect creatures.
Jesus reconciled man to God, through dying on the Cross. This reconciliation is a gift that we can receive simply by asking Christ to come into our lives. As the Apostle John put it: But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name (John 1:12).
The former Bishop of Birmingham, Bishop J. L. Wilson, who was a Japanese prisoner of war in the Second World War recommended three thoughts for us all to carry in our hears on Remembrance Sunday.
These are:
That we should be thankful for the sacrifice of others;
That we should be decided to work for peace and justice in the world
That we should be sorry for human sin and evil.
