The Rocket's Red Glare

So last night like most good Americans I went with my family and friends into town to see the fireworks display for the 4th. It was a beautiful night, perfect weather for remembrance, but I doubt many think about that, I know I usually don't. As I was sitting there I randomly remembered something I learned in my high school American History class. During the revolutionary war the British used to launch flares into the night sky in order to illuminate the battlefield. Such rockets were certainly a death sentence to young colonial soldiers as any cover which the darkness may have provided was suddenly eliminated, leaving them visible and exposed to enemy fire. Yesterday I felt fortunate to be able to look up in awe and wonder at the colors and sounds in the night sky instead of begin filled with dread and terror. I felt blessed that I can sit with my niece nestled in my lap instead of a rifle and powder horn.

I thought about the men who fought and died. What conviction they must have had to march on that field time and time again not knowing whether today would be their day of deliverance, or if they would have to trudge on enduring fear, and pain, starvation, and death in the name of liberty. To sacrifice comfort, safety, family, careers, and finally life itself all for the hope that they had not died in vain, so that their children would be able to determine their own destiny. If it were me, would I have sought the preservation of my life and fled, or if I had stayed and fought would my beliefs have sustained me even in the lion's mouth? Would I have died for my rights then? Would I now? Do I consider my own life more precious than the promise of a free and just life for future generations? If so, what do I live for, and what would I die for?

I'm sure there aren't many of us who would wish for the opportunity to discover the answer to these questions. But the finality and certainty of death often lead us to other questions. What is most important, and how should I live? Once we have those figured out, perhaps it would be easier to answer these other questions.