In 1993, my senior year of high school, my choir was invited to Washington, D.C., to participate in events surrounding the presidential inauguration. As part of the concert, the tenor and bass sections learned a song—a poem by J. Paul Williams put to music by Joseph Martin—entitled Who Are the Brave.
If you have just a few minutes this weekend, I highly recommend allowing yourself an opportunity to find a recording and listen to this powerful anthem.
Who are the brave? Those who go to war.
a poem by J. Paul Williams put to music by Joseph Martin
Who are the brave? Those who fight no more.
Those who gave their lives, protecting freedom’s shore.
Who are the brave? Those who serve in war.
Who are the brave? Those who live with pain.
Who are the brave? Those whose lives are plain.
Those with healthy bodies, those protecting the unsure.
Who are the brave? Those who serve the poor.
Who are the brave? Those whose speech is free.
Who are the brave? Those loving liberty.
All those with heart and mind, protecting all they find.
Who are the brave? Those who serve mankind.
On that same trip – my first to D.C. – we had an opportunity to visit several of the sites, including the memorials. As a result of that experience, every trip I’ve taken to D.C. since, particularly with mission trips and choir tours I led, I’ve always included time in the schedule for those with me to experience the memorials.
Whether you have a personal connection or not, seeing the different lists of names—those who gave their lives so we might live ours in freedom—is incredibly impactful. I can remember tears streaming down my cheek as I used a pencil to rub a name from the Vietnam Wall. I didn’t know him, but someone did, and he mattered a great deal to that someone.
Just so you know, you matter a great deal to the God who created you.
He knows everyone by name, and His Son died so that each of us could experience life and freedom… eternity and abundance! And for the countless men and women who have given their lives, for the loved ones who also made that sacrifice, for the brave, we honor this Memorial Day weekend… Thank you.