I'm watching the movie "Pearl Harbor" (released in 2001), for about the tenth time. It always moves me to tears. I'm a Baby Boomer, having been born merely nine years after the six-year “Second World War” ended. My youth was spent among an adult generation that had endured two World Wars and the Korean War. Over 91,000,000 soldiers and civilians were killed. Everyone I met during my entire childhood had lost someone dear to them. Every home had fading photos displayed of those who had perished. They are often referred to as: “The Greatest Generation”. There was soberness and a depth of character I could recognize, even as a child. By the time I was twelve we were engaged in the Vietnam War. Many other military conflicts and wars involving the United States have followed.
I’ve always been drawn to watch the many shows and multitude of movies that attempt to capture what war means to nations, families, and individuals. It is not an admiration of war that draws me in. Rather, it is the pain of sacrifice that individuals, families, and nations must face, endure and overcome. I admire the bonds built on the battlefield, revile the stupidity and unwanted necessity of war. I deeply honor and appreciate the costs paid by so many; I pray that our nation never faces another. I have such deep respect and admiration for the millions of women and men who have fought in the past and for those who train for wars that may still await. LORD, have mercy on our nation and I plead for peace among the nations. I pray You abundantly bless all who have sacrificed so must for our nation and those who continue to sacrifice so much for us all.
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