D-Day Recollection

Nº 201

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - June 7, 2022

“By the cross we know the gravity of sin and the greatness of God’s love toward us.” - John Chrysostom

The unlikely town of Bedford, Virginia is home to the National D-Day Memorial, 50 acres dedicated to those who fought and died in the Normandy invasion. The activities of June 6, 194 involved over 1.5 million Allied soldiers from 12 countries, including 11,000 aircraft, and 4,400 ships.

The sacrifices were staggering; on the first day 15,000 Allied soldiers were dead, wounded or missing. But 150,000 were on ashore and moving inland.

So why the beautiful but obscure town of Bedford to commemorate this historic event? Thirty-four young soldiers from Bedford participated in the Normandy invasion and sadly, 23 lost their lives.

Rightly, we honor those who give their all to secure other’s freedom. Noble feats of heroism and selfless acts of valor should be long remembered.

Just before his arrest, trials and crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:13-14)

Jesus’ sacrificial death set people free, not from the tyranny of Nazi oppression but from the grip of sin and death. We commemorate His sacrifice, not with solemn displays and inspiring monuments, but with lives that keep His commandments.

Dan Bolin President Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc