By the third note of Taps, the cemetery was completely quiet.  The restlessness of the crowd that had started toward the end of the hour long Memorial Day ceremony was stilled.  All eyes were on the American flag as it was slowly raised from its half mast position to the top of the flagpole.  Each slow, brassy note of the bugler’s song cascaded over the cemetery’s rows of white crosses and Stars of David.  Most buglers take 60 seconds to play the piece, but it always feels longer.  Time slows.  The mind delves into memories.  Perhaps no song, except the National Anthem, evokes more emotion within the American military than Taps.  Whether eliciting gratitude, pride, sorrow or pain, the 24 notes penetrate the living while honoring the dead.

We had taken three carloads of people from our ministry at the Hangar to the Lorraine American Cemetery in St. Avold, France, just across the German border.  It is the largest cemetery in Europe for World War II victims with more than 10,000 graves.  Most Americans don’t participate in Memorial Day services anymore – it is becoming an obsolete tradition -- but it was a privilege for us to stand there with these young people who are currently serving our country as we remembered those who had given their lives while serving our country.  It brought new meaning to the verse in John that reads, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”  Thank you for enabling us to serve and love these young people.  And the next time you hear Taps, please pray for our military personnel.

Summer has officially arrived in Germany and that means a variety of things…..yard work…..  saying goodbye to military personnel leaving for new assignments.….yard work.….welcoming new people arriving at Spangdahlem…..yard work…..visitors coming from the States…..yard work…..18 hours of daylight…..yard work…..time to clean the barn!!  Oh, and did we mention, lots of yard work!  If you know how to pull a weed, trim a bush, plant a garden or mow a lawn, we would LOVE to have you come for a visit.  Even if you don’t, you are always welcome.

We finally have an APO address but can only receive items weighing less than 16 ounces, so don’t try boxing yourself up and coming through the mail.  Roger Nielson, PSC 9, Box R5413, APO  AE  09123.

 

In His Service,

Rog and Sheila