FERGUSON: The Honor of Service – The Vicksburg Post

The eyes and ears of most Americans are focused on the fifth of November. The election is coming to a close, and no matter who wins, I expect we'll be in for a season or two of shenanigans and chaos. But instead of getting bogged down in the drama of the election year, another day in November catches my attention.

Veterans Day is November 11th. For most of my younger life, Veterans Day revolved around older men marching in their American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars paraphernalia with perhaps an honor guard from the local high school ROTC. They wore funny little hats known as aviator caps, garrison caps, or side caps. I knew they were celebrated for their service, but that service seemed a bit from another time. In most cases it was like that.

A few years later, I too signed on the dotted line and took an oath:

“I solemnly swear that I will support and uphold the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will show him true faith and loyalty; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me in accordance with the regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me, God.”

My mother was upset that I had come forward and wanted to know why. I told her I had a girl in every port and needed a way to see her, but that answer didn't do me any favors.

After six years of service and traveling the world in my own funny little hat, my enlistment was over. I didn’t realize at the time that I was a veteran at the time.

Many years later, I look back on my time in the US Navy with gratitude and pride. Oddly enough, it seems to be the same pride I once saw in those old guys wearing strange little hats.

I understand it now. While I am proud of my time in the Navy, I have no real desire to be honored for my service. It's not pleasant to point this out. And yet, most veterans I know deserve this honor. They gave up years of their lives and many became real heroes. You deserve great respect.

However, if you really want to honor a veteran, emulate their service. Find someone or a situation and serve. Not for fame. Not for recognition. Instead, serve for the pure joy of making this world a better place.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45 CSB)

Les Ferguson Jr. grew up in Vicksburg and graduated from Warren Central High School in 1980. He holds a BA in Bible from Magnolia Bible College and an MA in New Testament Preaching from Johnson University. He lives and preaches in Oxford, Miss., and is the author of “Still Wrestling – Faith Renewed through Brokenness.” He can be reached at [email protected].