Three rusty nails rest quietly on my desk. They’re the square kind, pulled from a board in my office that’s more than a hundred years old. According to Robert C. Sager, my study at the church was once part of the District Two school house, built in 1891 (The Pageant of Tuscarora, p. 177). These nails serve as a memorial to the builders and the historic families of Indian River who were dedicated to educating their children. I am grateful for the legacy left behind by the brave men and women of our community who’ve gone before us.
This Memorial Day, we also remember our soldiers who laid down their lives protecting us and our freedom. I think of Cpl. Mike Lindemuth, a fellow classmate and teammate, who died serving his country as a U. S. Marine in Iraq. To Mike, and so many other soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, we say thank you.
We pray blessings for the families of those who’ve lost loved ones. We pray for those who are still serving in harm’s way. Because of God’s grace and the sacrifice of our military personnel, our kids can attend school and all our citizens are free to worship at the church of their choosing.
Those three tarnished nails remind me of the great heritage of our nation. Of course, they also remind me of our great Savior, Jesus Christ. Our Lord was fastened to a Roman cross with nails. He died there to win the freedom of all who put their trust in “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who . . . endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). At this time of the year, we honor those who died for our country. Let us also honor the One who died for our souls. Hope you have a blessed Memorial Day.
