May 27, 2013
Pastorgraphs: “A Time to Remember”
On this
Memorial Day, I am taking time to remember SSgt Ryan Coyer. No, I did not know
him personally. I learned about him from the poignant photo that circulated on
the web a few weeks ago showing his sister collapsed in grief at his grave in
Arlington National Cemetery. I filed the photo away with the intent to revisit
it on Memorial Day. It is a reminder that for every service man or woman who
dies, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of family members and friends who bear
the grief. So when we hear of the thousands who die in combat, we should
multiply that at least ten fold, and that just begins to measure the magnitude
of the grief, sorrow and loss.
The
picture, taken by Washington-based Reuters senior photographer Kevin
Lamarque, first caught my eye because of the heart-wrenching grief it shows.
Lesleigh Coyer, 26, traveled with her parents from their home in Michigan to
visit her older brother’s grave. She was overcome with grief at the unspeakable
loss of her only sibling. He died March 12, 2012 after tours of duty in
Afghanistan and Iraq. He did not die in combat, but died suddenly stateside
from cardiac arrest, complications of an injury of war. The family traveled to
Arlington to mark the first anniversary of his death.
The second
thing that caught my eye is the cross and flame at the top of the grave
headstone, just above Ryan’s name. It is the emblem of The United Methodist
Church. Of course, I would recognize that. I would like to think Ryan was a
Methodist, but am proud when any our fallen servicemen and women and their
families choose this beloved symbol. The cross reminds us of Jesus Christ’s
sacrificial death so that we might have life, abundantly and eternally. The
flame symbolizes the Holy Spirit who brings resurrection power to those
experiencing God’s love.
Ryan was a
proud member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, an elite branch of the U.S. Army
known as the tan berets who carry out complex special operations. Born in
Nashville, TN, he grew up in Michigan. He was an honor roll student and played
on his high school’s football team. He was 26 years old when he died.
Just as I
cannot feed all the hungry, clothe all the naked, visit all the sick and
imprisoned, I can help one, or two, or a few. Today, I cannot remember all the
heroes of all our wars, but I remember Ryan.
General
Sherman said, “War is hell”. We should never forget those, like Ryan, who
willingly serve and pay the ultimate sacrifice that freedom may endure to the
ends of the earth. And we should never forget that every causality of war is
someone’s child, sibling, parent, or best friend. As Lesleigh said of her
brother, Ryan was her best friend, and is now her hero. For this time to
remember, Ryan is my hero, too.
Well done,
good and faithful servant.
With
deepest gratitude, Pastor Bill
From the
Quote Garden:
“Are they dead that yet speak louder
than we can speak, and a more universal language? Are they dead that yet
act? Are they dead that yet move upon society and inspire the people with
nobler motives and more heroic patriotism?”
~ Henry Ward Beecher ~
Christ United Methodist Ministry
Center
“Christ
in the Heart of San Diego”
3295 Meade
Avenue - San Diego, CA 92116 - (619) 284-9205
