Ferguson: An honor to serve
Published at 3:00 AM Saturday, November 2, 2024
Most Americans’ eyes and ears are focused on November 5th. The election is almost over, and no matter who wins, I predict we’ll be in for a season or two of shenanigans and chaos. But instead of getting caught up in the drama of an election year, there’s another day in November that catches my attention.
Veterans Day is November 11th. For most of my young life, Veterans Day was about old men marching in the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars paraphernalia with maybe an honor guard from the local ROTC high school. They wore funny little hats known as flying hats, garrison hats, or side hats. I knew they were being honored for their service, but that service seemed like something from another era. In most cases, it was.
Years later, I too signed on the dotted line and swore:
“I solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; That I will bear true faith and allegiance to it; That I will obey the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of the officers assigned above me, in accordance with the regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me, God.”
My mom was upset about my recruitment and wanted to know why. I told her I had a girl in every port and needed a way to see them, but that answer didn’t do me any favors.
After serving six years and traveling the world wearing my funny little hat, my enlistment was over. At the time, it never occurred to me that I was a veteran.
Many years later, I look back on my time in the US Navy with great gratitude and pride. Oddly enough, he seems to have the same pride that I once saw in those old men wearing strange little hats.
I understand now. Although I am proud of my time in the Navy, I have no real desire to be recognized for my service. It’s not comfortable to draw attention to yourself. However, most of the veterans I know deserve this honor. They gave up years of their lives, and many of them became true heroes. They deserve a lot of respect.
However, if you really want to honor a veteran, emulate their service. Find someone or a situation and serve them. Not for glory. Not for recognition. Instead, serve for the sheer joy of making this world better.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
Les Ferguson Jr. grew up in Vicksburg and graduated in 1980 from Warren Central High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Bible from Magnolia Bible College and a master’s degree in New Testament preaching from Johnson University. He lives and ministers in Oxford, Miss., and is the author of Still Wrestling – Faith Renewed Through Brokenness. He can be reached at lfergusonjr@gmail.com.
