During the Oscars in 2015, one of the movies that received multiple nominations was “American Sniper.” It’s a moving story of one man’s military service and his journey into the status of American hero.
Despite its graphic violence, a fair amount of profanity, and a less than happy ending, it broke multiple box office records and went on to become the highest grossing movie of 2014. What was the allure of this film in the hearts of movie goers?
I believe it’s simple. An inspirational story like this brings out the patriotism of Americans, it reminds us of who our enemies are, and most importantly, it honors the service and struggle of men and women with a heart to protect their country.
In these days of terrorist organizations, civil wars, and complicated politics, people want something to believe in. Currently, the recent events in our country find us divided in our allegiances and divided in our ideas about our government. However, I would hope that we can still be unified in our love for our country, unified in our appreciation for the freedoms it affords us, and unified in our honor for the men and women who so bravely serve to protect those freedoms.
As a young college boy with only a quarter in his pocket, my dad was approached by an United States Air Force recruiter. With 2 years of college studies behind him, he literally was out of money and out of options. With youthful thinking and ideas, there was likely little of the ‘God and country’ energy that prompts so many to join. He looked back towards the tumultuous home where his alcoholic father raged, and he looked forward to the promise of a regular paycheck and vision for the next stage of his life. His decision was an easy one. He joined the Air Force.
As a child, I often heard strange names of places when my dad recollected his years of service. Okinawa was one that seemed so odd and far away to my youthful mind. But my dad exuded pride when he talked of those days. I believe he became a better man during his service because it forced him to focus on something higher and bigger than himself. That’s what service is all about. All of his brothers also did their part. One joined the Navy, one the Marines, and the last served in the Coast Guard. That was what you did during those years. You did your part to fight for our great nation, not against your fellow citizens or your leaders, but against threats and powers outside our borders.
I started to write about the fear and unrest that is gripping our nation, and I chose instead to talk about honor. I believe in focusing on the integrity and bravery of those who have served our country, that we, as the citizens they seek to protect, can focus our emotions, our voices, and our energy on higher ideals as well. Like honor. Like unity. Like service. Like love.
The Bible says in Romans that we should “give honor to whom honor is due.” Galatians also tells us to “serve one another humbly in love.”
I honor you, dad, (and so many others) for your service. Thank you. May we continue to be inspired by your example.
My father, Paul Raynor, in his high school yearbook
