I was raised in what I consider to be a fairly typical southern family. Together we attended a small rustic Methodist Church located on the outskirts of town. All of the elders, to include my parents, have since passed away, but the belief and value system they collectively imparted to me has remained as part of their legacy. I cherish the fond memories of that church and its people.
It was a very patriotic congregation, filled with many veterans and their families. Both our National Flag and Christian Standard were given prominent places on each side of the pulpit. On special commemorative occasions our church’s Boy Scout Troop would “post the colors” and we would join in singing many patriotic songs from an old Cokesbury hymnal. We don’t seem to sing as many of these anthems anymore. With the exception of our National Anthem, many of these musical expressions, such as the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “God Bless America” and “My Country Tis of Thee” seem to receive less and less popularity. Let’s all pray that the words and meaning of these great anthems are not lost as new generations of Americans take their place in society. Let us at least not forget the religious message found in each of these expressions and especially the words in our “National Anthem,”…and this our motto be: In God is our Trust.”
The singing of these and other hymns was most pronounced from the front pews. Our Church had a very active “Amen Corner.” For those not familiar with the term, let me explain. The “Amen Corner” consisted of the matriarchs and patriarchs of the congregation who always occupied a prominent front row pew and as if in rhythmic cadence commented each Sunday on the pastor’s sermon with a series of hallelujah’s, praise the Lord and Amen’s, hence the corner’s name. Their attentiveness was belied by often closed eyes, folded hands and frequently slumped posture. This led me at a young age to believe they were napping. Nothing could have been further from the truth! They in fact were deeply engrossed in the preacher’s message and voiced their approval quite often with a “joyful noise.”
While I don’t recall ever “sleeping in church” I must admit that at times my attention wandered. Like those sitting in the “Amen Corner” I was quick to catch the sermon delivered on Memorial Day weekend. My mind had been on departed comrades and the words I heard years ago that “It’s the dead soldier’s silence that sings our National Anthem,” when suddenly my thoughts were interrupted.
I began to listen attentively to my pastor, Rev. James W. Mitchell, as he commenced a most powerful sermon. His message was about the power of prayer. A most appropriate Memorial Day illustration was used. It was the factually documented account of the Twelfth Roman Legion, referred to as the “Thundering Legion.” (Legio XII Fulminata). This historic epic is not told often enough. It is a well documented classic account of forty brave soldiers who endured threats, beating and torture while steadfastly refusing to obey an order to renounce their Christian beliefs and pay homage to Roman deities. They chose instead to be marched under guard onto a frozen lake where they were stripped and left to die a slow and tortuous death. In unison, they prayed a repetitive cry of “O’Lord, 40 wrestlers have come forth to fight for thee. Grant that 40 wrestlers may gain the victory.” Only one soldier, the youngest of the lot, lost faith and succumbed to the sight of warm camp fires ashore. He was soon replaced by a Centurion named Sempronius. The next morning the “Forty Martyrs of Sabaste,” as they are known, was found frozen to death. They remained true to their faith and beliefs until the end. This was the consummated Memorial Day message. Not only is it a story of courage, abiding faith and sacrifice it as also a tribute to all of those who have paid the ultimate price. They forfeited their lives so that we could enjoy the fruits of freedom.
Today, as it has been throughout history, we must gather together to honor the “Faith of our Fathers” by standing up to defend the values that make this great Nation. What was started on April 15th with our extremely well attended “Tea Party” must be continued and taken to the next level ---getting people involved. Most people remind me of those in the “Amen Corner.” They may not appear to be awake to what is happening but once aroused they will heed the call and confirm the direction we as a Nation must take to reclaim our destiny. “We the People” are not asleep, we are only awaiting the roadmap and leadership necessary to combat the insidious attack on our unalienable rights and freedom. The second of July will continue the journey. It is there that we may begin the transition from the “Amen Corner” to modern day Legionnaires.
Thursday, July 2, 2009, is the date that has been reserved for the second in our series of “Tea Parties.” This is a very appropriate date. On July 2, 1776 another group of valiant patriots, assembled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, adopted the resolution that declared our Nation free and independent. It was on this date, not the Fourth of July, when the resolution was passed stating that “we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” John Adams stated in a letter dated July 3, 1776 that “the second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty…”
This year we will celebrate this historic event and once again affirm the “Faith of our Fathers.” Our Covington event will be held from 2-5 pm at the Reagan Memorial and will include an “open mike” format. We intend to invite elected officials to attend and listen as citizens express their concerns. Appropriate signs, placards and tags are encouraged. Cards will be handed out to be filled in by those who wish to take a more active part in future initiatives. Entertainment will also be part of the venue.
While April 15th was a great beginning, we must now organize and reaffirm that governments “derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.” I’ll see you on July the second. Amen!
My two cents…for what it’s worth,