Pastor Fienen writes, overstating things again:
You regularly post something like this. Do you really think that the rest of us don't get this? That we are so ignorant of the varieties of service given to our nation that we fail to honor those who serve without bearing arms?
I comment:
Sometimes. And society in general is, but (see below)
Pastor Fienen:
That is an insulting accusation of ignorance and insensitivity. We do not need, someday, to learn this, we long ago learned this. As Chaplain Hannah pointed out, the Memorial Day observance concert recognized and honored those who are serving in many ways, including grocery stores and truck drivers during this pandemic crisis.
Me:
Yes, this year those other people are on our minds because now, for the first time in our lives, I think, people in this country have to risk their lives for the sake of the greater good. The pandemic is teaching us that.
Pastor Fienen:
In my own Memorial Day observances for this past Sunday, I included all of these serving and risking during this crisis, as well as the families who support for the workers often includes hardship and loss. Someday we will learn?!? We learned.
Me:
Good. You learned
Pastor Fienen:
Or is it that so long as Memorial Day is observed and those who bore arms and gave the last full measure of devotion are remembered and honored that we have not sufficiently learned your lesson?
Me:
No. Not at all. Memorial day and the November Veterans Day are great opportunities for an understanding of this. I alway took part in those observances. , I only note from time to time that there are other ways to serve our country, or other ways to work for justice, equality, and truth where people may be called to make that “ultimate sacrifice.” (Sometimes, that sacrifice is even made by journalists.)
And should one think my comments are “utterly tasteless, boorish and completely and entirely tone deaf,” I will just say: Such a person eagerly rushes to judgment, doesn’t read carefully, and - as we know from long experience with such people - loves being on the “weapon” side of “protecting” our freedoms. Some of us want to make sure that there are Christians on the non-weapon side.