Remember the group of Americans known as ‘The Greatest Generation’? They lived through both the Great Depression, and World War II. They knew the true meaning of sacrifice.
On December 8, 1941 after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt made an impassioned speech before Congress. He asked that Congress declare that a state of war exist between the United States, and the Empire of Japan.
“No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory!” (Franklin D. Roosevelt, December 8, 1941)
American citizens were subject to rationing, air raid drills, and mandatory blackouts. Democrats, Republicans, conservatives, and liberals all pulled together for a common cause. They fought, suffered, and died to win through to that absolute victory of which Roosevelt spoke so highly.
Sadly, the American people can no longer lay claim to that “righteous might”. They have turned their collective backs on God. This version of America could never sacrifice the way ‘The Greatest Generation’ did.
America is facing a new enemy. This enemy however, is invisible to the naked eye. It is known as “SARS-CoV-2”, or simply “COVID-19”.
Too many Americans choose to fight this enemy with selfishness and self-righteousness.
‘The Greatest Generation’ pulled together to fight their enemies. Today, Americans are spoiled, and have retreated into partisan tribalism.
They worry about getting their hair cut, going to a restaurant, or to the beach. Some have carried weapons of war, screaming about their personal liberties being infringed.
Too many Americans do not understand that we are in a public health emergency. They have politicized something as simple as wearing a mask. Some say that masks are an infringement upon their liberty.
Americans now want to sacrifice the weak, the elderly, and infirm all in the name of the economy. At what point did we start to care more about money and the economy than our people?
Businesses suffered during World War II more than they do now. Money was tight, and goods were hard to come by due to rationing. They had no government sponsored payroll program to lean back on.
It seems that our nation has forgotten God’s Greatest Commandments:
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:36-39)
Dear reader, I ask you to please remember these commandments. Put others before yourself. And wear a mask when away from home. It is the neighborly thing to do.
The Steadfast Watchman
THE STEADFAST WATCHMAN: A STUDENT OF THE TRUTH 