On Sunday, November 11, 2018 I had the distinct honor of praying the benediction at the Centennial Armistice Ceremony at the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery and Memorial in France. Our family prepared by watching the classic film Sergeant York, which depicts the events that took place at the Meuse-Argonne.
About an hour into the movie, my eight-year-old son Jude asked; “I thought this was a movie about war?”
I suppose Jude anticipated the film to primarily depict war, but instead he saw a story of conversion, hard work, and gallantry; first in the Tennessee Mountains and then in France.
Actor Gary Cooper would later display the actions that earned the real Sergeant York the Medal of Honor, through selfless service and courage in the midst of intense combat.
Today, the stagnant impasse of the front line in WWI, has been traded for chaotic shouting matches and character attacks directed at our fellow Americans. This is, in many ways, due to the technocratic success of leaders on both sides of the divide.
We’ve looked to political leaders to guide us towards human flourishing and in the process been swiftly turned against each other. This kind of idolatry too often blinds us to our own human nature.
But it’s not too late to remove these blinders and open our eyes towards a better way. A way that involves resisting the siren call of sensationalism in favor of local and meaningful lives.
Yes, politics still matter and we should all vote our conscience. And yes we need to have global concern; I like to think the church always has. But, what if a significant portion of our political energy and money were redirected towards leading and serving our local places of life? Places where people live, die, work, hurt, experience loneliness, find great joy, and actually know us.
America, at its best, has exemplified a communal sense of integrity and virtue in preparing everyday people, when called upon, to do the amazing. American culture inspired young people like Alvin York to live and act with virtue and courage in the most dangerous of situations. Such personal characteristics will, more often, turn vitriol into discourse and dialogue.
One solution I’d like to propose, is the idea of intentional Christian communities, popularized by Rod Dreher’s Benedict Option. His idea of aggregating ourselves based on a common Christian commitment has directed people in living and leading towards the virtues of conversion, hard work, and selfless service.
This type of service was evident during the Great Depression, which research shows had little to no impact on starvation. Why? Because communities took care of their own. People didn’t look to idols for an answer, they cared for their neighbor and their local community.
Similarly, the tide of war in France was turned by Americans like Sergeant York who, despite insurmountable odds, believed America was worth the risk.
York’s Medal of Honor Citation reads;
“After his platoon had suffered heavy casualties and 3 other noncommissioned officers had become casualties, York assumed command. Fearlessly leading 7 men, he charged with great daring a machine gun nest which was pouring deadly and incessant fire upon his platoon. In this heroic feat the machine gun nest was taken, together with 4 officers and 128 men and several guns.”
At one time Americans were overwhelmingly united in the belief that the people in their hometowns, their families, and the soldiers on each side were worth serving to the last full measure.
Although our nation is at conflict within itself, it’s time for an armistice among Americans. An armistice that recognizes all are worth serving to the last full measure.
This is an eminent opportunity for the church to lead the way.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are my own and do not represent the U.S. Department of Defense or the US Army.
First, Lieutenant Colonel O’Lear, thank you for your service; to your company and to your God. Like your son, Jude’s, comment, your message above did not go where I expected. Especially, as I have thought often, in this centennial year, about the experiences of my wife’s grandfather enduring the mustard gas attacks and my grandmother’s Spanish Influenza, fever-induced suicide also in 1918.
Reaching the end of your piece, I concur with your ultimate message. I believe that feeling, somewhat explains the outpouring of mourning and remembrance being displayed for the passing of George H.W. Bush. I think he and his presidency is reminding the Nation of, perhaps, the last bipartisan leader we have had, brought into even greater focus by our current state of affairs in Washington and among the populace.
God bless your message of peace.
Moving post.
Although we’re soaked in stories that bring despair, and add credence to the idea that meaning is lost, decisions of piercing virtue and courage still happen every day. We could stand to hear a few more stories like York’s.
Now I’ve got to go watch the movie with my son.
lying and corruption at the highest levels cannot be accepted as normal.
LTC O’Lear thank you for this timely article. My upbringing, faith and yes even the Army have taught me that doing right and good within ones sphere of influence is the most effective way for positive change and for the greater good. Thank you for your service. Rick Ernst CSM (R) USA, Director of the SGT Jeff Dodge Veterans Center, University of Dubuque.
I profusely apologize for the typo in my previous posting (the first reply here); it was supposed to be “country” not, company.
As a vet from the 1960’s I want to say thank you LTC O’Lear for your thoughts and service.
I like your comments and agree with most of it. I think the community feeling you talk about certainly does exist in our communities. It is only a few of the noisiest ones making a big deal out of things and implying that the division is much greater than it is. I believe the press pushes minority opinions as if it is a majority and take things that are not true issues and make them look like they are. I truly believe if the press would just give the news and let the public make up their own opinions without their spin on it we would see that we have a truer perception of unity rather than division. If a news outlet would decide they were just going to give the news the way Walter Cronkite used to I think they would have a huge following. Feel the new stations are now more an entertainer then a true journalist. As a people I think we are much more united than the press or Hollywood wants us to know. Regardless of the political ranting in the press and in Washington, as a people I think most of us are very altruistic and show care for each other and the world. Thank you for your thoughtful message.
Kelly,
as always, you are our Spiritual leader and greatly missed. Keep up the Good Fight and may God bless you my friend.
Sharron or better yet, Meme