Character and Memorial Day
Memorial day- Romans 5:1-5;
Proverbs 8:1-4,22-31, Jn 16:12-15, Ps 8
Staff
Sergeant Salvatore A. Giunta
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Date of Issue: 11/16/2010
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Organization: U.S. Army, Battle Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd
Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade
Citation: Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta distinguished
himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy in the Korengal
Valley, Afghanistan, on October 25,
2007 . While conducting a patrol as team leader with Company B, 2d
Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, Specialist Giunta and his team
were navigating through harsh terrain when they were ambushed by a well-armed
and well-coordinated insurgent force. While under heavy enemy fire, Specialist
Giunta immediately sprinted towards cover and engaged the enemy. Seeing that
his squad leader had fallen and believing that he had been injured, Specialist
Giunta exposed himself to withering enemy fire and raced towards his squad
leader, helped him to cover, and administered medical aid. While administering
first aid, enemy fire struck Specialist Giunta's body armor and his secondary
weapon. Without regard to the ongoing fire, Specialist Giunta engaged the enemy
before prepping and throwing grenades, using the explosions for cover in order
to conceal his position. Attempting to reach additional wounded fellow soldiers
who were separated from the squad, Specialist Giunta and his team encountered a
barrage of enemy fire that forced them to the ground. The team continued
forward and upon reaching the wounded soldiers, Specialist Giunta realized that
another soldier was still separated from the element. Specialist Giunta then
advanced forward on his own initiative. As he crested the top of a hill, he
observed two insurgents carrying away an American soldier. He immediately
engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other. Upon reaching the
wounded soldier, he began to provide medical aid, as his squad caught up and
provided security. Specialist Giunta's unwavering courage, selflessness, and
decisive leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to his
platoon's ability to defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American
soldier from the enemy. Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta's extraordinary heroism
and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the
highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself,
Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, and the United
States Army.
Today I want to talk about
character . Where does it come from? What does it mean today? We would certainly say it involves a lot of
things that matter to others. How is
character formed? I am asking , “ what
is it?” If you saw it would you know it?
Romans 5 :3 said,” ….we boast in tribulations, knowing that the
tribulation endurance works out; and the endurance proof.” Interlinear NT, Dr. Berry
So what produces
character? Go with the flow? Do what others are doing? In the story of our Medal of Honor recipient SPC
Giunta took initiative, engaged the enemy without regard for the danger, and
took care of the wounded Americans.
The little greek words are
not just about experience as the kjv has it.
A deeper look would say this word means the process of trial or “tried
integrity”…. “ a state of mind which has stood the test” Word Studies in the
NT, Vincent.
What produces character? First, faith is necessary . If
you look at romans 4 you will see this faith is not something we do but
something God gives. Read the whole
chapter. Abraham our father did not work
for grace. It came to him when he was “justified”
by God when he was “ungodly” Ro. 4:2,5
His faith was “imputed” the Scripture tells us-----4:6. He is counted or reckoned as righteous when
he is ungodly. Then faith comes. Note
the order. We cannot have faith without
God’s work of righteousness . This is in
Christ Jesus our Lord.
Then comes tribulation. “affliction and tribulation were not only
regarded as an inevitable feature of the Christian lot, they were looked upon
as a token of true Christianity: they were a sign that God counted those who
endured them worthy of His kingdom.” Epistle to the Romans, FF Bruce.
When we think of our problems
and sufferings if there be any, we can be happy that we are being made into the
image of God’s Son , Jesus. Romans 8
reminds us “ And we know that all things work together for good to them that
love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow , He also did
predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son..”
This weekend we
remember. George
Bush, 1992
“Whether we observe the occasion through public
ceremony or through private prayer, Memorial Day leaves few hearts unmoved.
Each of the patriots whom we remember on this day was first a beloved son or
daughter, a brother or sister, or a spouse, friend, and neighbor.”
We celebrate and are happy for them.
Our Memorial day is just that. We
remember. We do not forget . We owe a great debt to our veterans and to
those who died on the field of battle wherever it was.
Let us pray: “ ALMIGHTY God, the Strong Tower
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