Lest We Forget

When one finds a desirable product, he would well look to the process by which that product was produced. And having been so greatly blessed, it would be well to look to the foundations of our freedom, to see by what process it came to us. First there is a recognition of inalienable rights⎯inalienable because they are God-given. John Foster Dulles said: “Institutions of freedom will not survive unless they are constantly replenished by the faith that gave them birth.” And we would do ourselves, and all mankind and all posterity a grave injustice if we failed to acknowledge the source. “Therefore, let the Nation search itself to discover if it be worthy of these great gifts.” The Mayflower Compact begins: “In the name of God,…We whose names are underwritten,…by the grace of God,…Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country,…do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together….” “The event is in the hand of God,” acknowledged Washington in his farewell address. And “We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them….” Have we not reached a time for prayer, for repentance, and for recognition of the fact that what we have and are is God-given? And only by the help of the God of our Fathers can we hope to solve the problems of the present. In the words of a distinguished jurist: “Belief and understanding of the relationship between God and man, of man’s dependence on God, are the great needs of today…. God grant that in his infinite mercy, in his love for his erring children, that spirit of belief and understanding may come to us…ere it is too late.” We here acknowledge the God to whom our fathers gave great gratitude. No less than they, we need humility, faith, gratitude, and an honest searching of ourselves. Thank God that we can still thank God for all that He has given. “Lord God of hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget…Judge of the nations, spare us yet, Lest we forget!”