All Are Welcome

You'll notice in the picture on the left, of a Synagogue on D-Day.  On the botom left of the banner, it says "All Are Welcome."  It does not say "All Are Welcome, except Arabs, Muslims, Nazis, Baptists, Mormons, Amish, Buddhists, or Scientologists."  They knew that there would be fear and anticipation of news--any news, and they threw open their doors and welcomed all who would come to share in their worry.  

Last night was the night we dropped thousands of paratroopers into Nazi-occupied Europe.  Today is the day when we landed on the beaches of Normandy.  Today is the day when those who've gone before me jumped out of their landing craft and into the surf, and  faced a mind-boggling barrage of fire.  You remember the first 20 minutes of "Saving Private Ryan?"   It was like that, except worse, and lasted for hours.  

Today we remember.

I chose to lead this with a picture of a synagogue, instead of the typical landing craft on the beach picture, because it reflects where I've spent the last few years of this war--on the homefront, watching, waiting, preparing for the call that may or may not come to go forward again.  I worry about my friends and comrades who get the call, I pray for their safe return, and for their families, and I feel guilty for not sacrificing alongside them.   

All Are Welcome to share.  To hope, to pray, and to support those who bear the burden of securing liberty.  All Are Welcome to demand of our government that they are not risked lightly, or without good cause, and that when they have accomplished their missions, that they are brought home, with honor, and that the promises made to them for their service are kept.

All Are Welcome.