Something I Have Never Before Seen!

Today, I was involved with the funeral service of a Reynolds man, who had spent much of his live serving our country in the Armed Forces, the US Army, to be precise. Unlike most services of this kind (with which I have been involved), there were some 50+ uniformed military personnel present at the service, including ranking officers, as in Colonels, even a General! The chaplain who spoke said this about the deceased soldier: "I want you to know that I have carefully thought through what I am about to say, so listen carefully: this man is the finest soldier I have ever known! Wow!

It was at the cemetery that I saw, what was unique to me; the honor guard folded Old Glory into its customary triangle, and as they finished, a General walked up to one of the soldiers, and while standing at attention, he received the flag of this great nation from him, and before walking away, he saluted the flag. Then came the moment that took my breath: this General, dressed to the nines, holding the US Flag, as only a General could, walked over to the widow of the deceased soldier and knelt directly in front of her. While he was kneeling, he began to speak words to her, whispered words, but familiar words to me: "On behalf of the President of these United States of America and all the men and women, who serve in her Armed Forces, along with a grateful nation, I present this flag to you in honor and appreciation of your husband's faithful service to this great country!" Then he stood to his feet, bringing himself to "attention", and saluted Old Glory!

Now, I have seen many flags presented to widows of servicemen, even presented many myself, BUT this was the first time I had seen a General "do the honors" and I want to tell you that I was very proud to be an American!

You can call me foolish, if you like, but there was something about this General's kneeling before this widow and presenting the US Flag to her in honor of her late husband, that reminded me of Jesus kneeling before His disciples and presenting them with a towel and a basin of water.

Some leaders really are and they do not have to announce it to anyone because people simply follow them!

I will never forget what I saw today, nor will I ever forget that I, too, am called to kneel before His people and present them with a towel and a basin of water.

His!
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