God is my Co-Pilot? – Veterans Day - 11 November 2019, Anno Domini

Veterans Day 2019

            In 1945, a movie was released by Warner Brothers entitled, God is My Co-Pilot. It is the story of Col Robert L. Scott who flew The Hump with the Flying Tigers in World War II under General Chenault. The title is charming and well-intended; however, God takes a second seat to no one. He is either our Commander, our Master, our Lord, our Pilot-in-Command - or He is nothing to us. 

            There is another similar slogan that is foisted about on posters and bumper stickers which read: "Jesus Died For Your Soul And The Soldier Died For Your Freedom. I hate to be an iconoclast, but this, too, regardless the commendable motive behind it, is also not true. Regardless the esteem earned by the American soldier, there is no freedom apart from that granted in the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ. Isaiah the prophet, in describing the coming Lord, says: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." (Isaiah 61:1)

            To the synagogue, on the Sabbath at Nazareth of Galilee, Jesus confirmed and fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." Luke 4:18-19 (KJV) The Lord came to heal, to save, and to set free. No mortal can do any commendable work apart from that which mirrors that redemptive work of the Lord. A good and Godly soldier, just as a minister of God, imitates that good work of the Lord in fighting for Liberty, Freedom, and Justice for all alike. 

            Jay Kim, the first Korean elected to Congress, tells this story of MacArthur's liberation of Seoul. The North Korean occupiers were evacuating the city ahead of the leading elements of MacArthur's invasion force. But they had demanded that the city be destroyed along with personal possessions, setting homes and buildings afire. Jay Kim was just a little boy at the time. There was smoke, and the sound of gunfire, everywhere. He was helping his father and other siblings salvage what little possessions they owned from their burning residence. Suddenly, there was an eerie silence as the last elements of the North Korean Army fled the city. Jay looked down the smoke filled street to see the largest soldier he had ever seen emerge from the smoke and chaos. It was a US Marine bearing his weapon at the ready. He came to the boy, stooped down and put his arm around his shoulder, gave him a stick of gum, and directed him to seek cover inside the building since there was still sporadic sniper fire in the area. From that moment forward, a little boy named Jay Kim resolved, someday, to become an American! And so he did! That is what Freedom is about - and perfect and true Freedom only comes as a gift from God though enforced and perpetuated by his appointed minister - the Godly soldier.

            I wish all veterans a wonderful day of commemoration and reflection on why they served; and I believe that purpose was beautiful demonstrated at Holly Hill yesterday.

God bless America and all those valiant men and women who served in her defense.

Jerry L. Ogles

Presiding Bishop

United States of America

Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide

Let us pray,

For the Armed Services.                                                           BCP 41

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 LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, coastguardsmen and contractors of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

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LMIGHTY God, we give you thanks for those who answered our country’s call, who rode towards the sound of gunfire and did not cower.  We give you thanks for those who are with us today and for those who are with you for ever more.  Lord, we give you thanks for the sacrifice made on our behalf by them and their families.  Lord we ask that you give us warriors who will follow your way on behalf of our country, all of which we ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.