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Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Monday, November 14, 2005
More Veterans Week
Hello and welcome back. Continuing to share some fotos from soldiers themselves during the amazing taking of Baghdad 2003. In honor of Veterans Day I wish to share some remembrances of the things they experienced on our behalf and on behalf of all Iraqis and others. Most of these pics speak for themselves today. What do you think?
pray
In Stephen Mannsfield's book, Faith of the American Soldier, the author explains how, in essence, societal evolution has forced a wedge between the soldier, faith, and war. Fortunately, although chaplains are restricted now from saying or even implying that their cause is Just and God supports them, there are still religious services and spiritual counseling to be found. Unfortunately, this is perhaps the thing soldiers want to know the most to help them face what they must face and in sustaining morale. Chaplains are now also restricted from following their soldiers into actual combat, something (although unarmed) they want to do and has lent great strength to soldiers in previous wars. As a result, unique in this war, soldiers form and lead their own prayer and scripture groups. The author also surmises that, by and large, faith plays perhaps even a larger roll than in past conflicts.
In Stephen Mannsfield's book, Faith of the American Soldier, the author explains how, in essence, societal evolution has forced a wedge between the soldier, faith, and war. Fortunately, although chaplains are restricted now from saying or even implying that their cause is Just and God supports them, there are still religious services and spiritual counseling to be found. Unfortunately, this is perhaps the thing soldiers want to know the most to help them face what they must face and in sustaining morale. Chaplains are now also restricted from following their soldiers into actual combat, something (although unarmed) they want to do and has lent great strength to soldiers in previous wars. As a result, unique in this war, soldiers form and lead their own prayer and scripture groups. The author also surmises that, by and large, faith plays perhaps even a larger roll than in past conflicts.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
My Veterans Week
I started writing back in 2004 about my little world here, then found a bigger picture, attempting to share the current world of the soldiers--and as you have seen, it has been mostly comprised of building, organizing, training, healing, and hazarding the weeding-out of remaining lawless elements. This week I will share, as I mentioned, pictures from the brief initial conflict, taken by the soldiers themselves. You’ll see the things they saw.
I might add my observations: You will see sober, committed, focused soldiers, and even helping hands in what was an overwhelming thrust, fraught with unknown peril. I think you will notice that their intensity of purpose is revealed in resolute countenances whether they be on offense, receiving gratitude, or resting. They knew what their job is and come what may, they stuck to it; not being swayed by danger, bitterness, or glory-seeking. Hope you are as impressed as I am. This is a peek back at their world, 2003.
I might add my observations: You will see sober, committed, focused soldiers, and even helping hands in what was an overwhelming thrust, fraught with unknown peril. I think you will notice that their intensity of purpose is revealed in resolute countenances whether they be on offense, receiving gratitude, or resting. They knew what their job is and come what may, they stuck to it; not being swayed by danger, bitterness, or glory-seeking. Hope you are as impressed as I am. This is a peek back at their world, 2003.
gunner
These guys take on all elements. Some things worked in their favor, as if the God of Nature was watching out for them. Early on a terrific sandstorm stopped a major column advancing on Baghdad. You may recall numerous media experts declaring the military was bogging down in this. After the dust and wind cleared, a minefield lay uncovered right in their path! Although, certainly the weather presented many similar challenges...coalition forces experienced a significant victory in a stunning 3 weeks.
These guys take on all elements. Some things worked in their favor, as if the God of Nature was watching out for them. Early on a terrific sandstorm stopped a major column advancing on Baghdad. You may recall numerous media experts declaring the military was bogging down in this. After the dust and wind cleared, a minefield lay uncovered right in their path! Although, certainly the weather presented many similar challenges...coalition forces experienced a significant victory in a stunning 3 weeks.
Victory!
Even before Saddam was found, Iraqis breathed out a joyful noise at the sign of deliverance. Ever unreported, such gratitude is not uncommon to this day. Many pray we will not suddenly pull out and leave this newly reborn nation back in the mercy of radicals. (see these articles: Thanks and Worry)
Even before Saddam was found, Iraqis breathed out a joyful noise at the sign of deliverance. Ever unreported, such gratitude is not uncommon to this day. Many pray we will not suddenly pull out and leave this newly reborn nation back in the mercy of radicals. (see these articles: Thanks and Worry)
fire!
The incredible advances of the last 5 years--ultra modern technology and superb equipment allows for pinpoint accuracy from greater distances. One of the reasons for the extremely low casualty counts of this war. Though each life lost is tragic, there is also reason to be grateful for such advantages.
The incredible advances of the last 5 years--ultra modern technology and superb equipment allows for pinpoint accuracy from greater distances. One of the reasons for the extremely low casualty counts of this war. Though each life lost is tragic, there is also reason to be grateful for such advantages.
Friday, November 11, 2005
This is Their Day
Veterans Day. Heros, all of them.
What a great day to honor those who have given so much to sustain freedom and fight for not only the liberty of Americans, but of many of the peoples of the world. In defense of their right to life, religion, family, and country, some have paid seemingly an unbearable price, whether it be a sacrifice of their own personal lives, loss of limb or ability, and of course, the ultimate sacrifice, life itself.
They sometimes bear further burdens, prejudice, blame, for wars not of their choosing, emotional scars, and worse. In recent times they are accused of crimes worse than the despots they deposed, impugning their honor as well. But as a whole, they endure nobly, silently.
How we ought to honor them. I feel so blessed to mingle among them, present and future veterans, to both perceive firsthand the magnitude of their outer and inner statures, and also hear some of their heart's laments. Such observations have I recently blogged about here: You Can Be Proud.
There are no remembrance days for haters, blamers, foot-draggers, or cynics. Only heroes. Maybe I will make the next week a week for them. I can only give you a taste, but since Veterans Day is about remembering, here are few memories worth a thousand words taken by the soldiers themselves from the early part of this conflict. I hope they move you like they do me.
What a great day to honor those who have given so much to sustain freedom and fight for not only the liberty of Americans, but of many of the peoples of the world. In defense of their right to life, religion, family, and country, some have paid seemingly an unbearable price, whether it be a sacrifice of their own personal lives, loss of limb or ability, and of course, the ultimate sacrifice, life itself.
They sometimes bear further burdens, prejudice, blame, for wars not of their choosing, emotional scars, and worse. In recent times they are accused of crimes worse than the despots they deposed, impugning their honor as well. But as a whole, they endure nobly, silently.
How we ought to honor them. I feel so blessed to mingle among them, present and future veterans, to both perceive firsthand the magnitude of their outer and inner statures, and also hear some of their heart's laments. Such observations have I recently blogged about here: You Can Be Proud.
There are no remembrance days for haters, blamers, foot-draggers, or cynics. Only heroes. Maybe I will make the next week a week for them. I can only give you a taste, but since Veterans Day is about remembering, here are few memories worth a thousand words taken by the soldiers themselves from the early part of this conflict. I hope they move you like they do me.
Monday, November 07, 2005
The Sign of Melchizedek
A soldier snapped this picture from a bridge of a Kirkuk skyline. Do you recognize the symbol of the design on the bridge? If you’ve been to the San Diego Temple, you might do so very quickly. That’s right, it’s the symbol or “Seal of Melchizedek,” right here in Kikuk, no less.
I heard directly from one of the architect team partners that designed the San Diego Temple, he explained that the designer saw this symbol in a dream and based the floor plan and décor of the temple on this design; namely two offset, intersecting squares. Much like the 6-point Star of David but with 8 points instead.
Hugh Nibley recognized this design as the Seal of Melchizedek. Here is an excerpt from his book Temple and Cosmos about the mosaic pictured below:
"Another Ravenna mosaic, e. A.D. 520, shows the priest-king Melchizedek in a purple cloak, offering bread and wine at the altar (Gen. 14: 18-20). The white altar cloth is decorated with two sets of gammadia, as well as the so-called "seal of melchizedek," two interlocked squares in gold. Abel offers his lamb as Abraham gently pushes Isaac forward. The hand of God reaches down to this sacred meeting through the red veils adorned with golden gammadia on either side. The theme is the great sacrifice of Christ, which brings together the righteous prophets from the past as well as the four corners of the present world, thereby uniting all time and space."
I guess it should be no surprise that in the land of the ancient patriarchs such as Abraham and Daniel, that such a symbol might be found, or even common. I hope to find someday what it means to the locals.
I heard directly from one of the architect team partners that designed the San Diego Temple, he explained that the designer saw this symbol in a dream and based the floor plan and décor of the temple on this design; namely two offset, intersecting squares. Much like the 6-point Star of David but with 8 points instead.
Hugh Nibley recognized this design as the Seal of Melchizedek. Here is an excerpt from his book Temple and Cosmos about the mosaic pictured below:
"Another Ravenna mosaic, e. A.D. 520, shows the priest-king Melchizedek in a purple cloak, offering bread and wine at the altar (Gen. 14: 18-20). The white altar cloth is decorated with two sets of gammadia, as well as the so-called "seal of melchizedek," two interlocked squares in gold. Abel offers his lamb as Abraham gently pushes Isaac forward. The hand of God reaches down to this sacred meeting through the red veils adorned with golden gammadia on either side. The theme is the great sacrifice of Christ, which brings together the righteous prophets from the past as well as the four corners of the present world, thereby uniting all time and space."
I guess it should be no surprise that in the land of the ancient patriarchs such as Abraham and Daniel, that such a symbol might be found, or even common. I hope to find someday what it means to the locals.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Be ye like children
A little story that Chaplain Nicholson repeated about a little girl in Iraq: The soldiers were driving along when they came upon a little girl sitting on the road, blocking their way. They motioned for her to get out of the way but she would not. A translator was brought forward. The girl said “bad men” and put something in the road ahead. Upon a search, a road bomb was found.
Returning, the soldiers of the 116th Idaho National Guard Reserves (that I have lauded here so shamelessly) again addressed the girl through the translator. What would she like for a reward? The girl answered simply, “a pencil.” Hence Operation Crayon and its successor programs have already had some valuable returns.
I searched for the article, reported in Idaho’s “Idaho State Journal” but only found a reference to this story in this article: Milestones
I don’t need to tell you again how endeared the soldiers and the children are to each other, but I needed an excuse to post more pictures of the little folks in Iraq (sorry, they are some of my favorite subjects). The soldiers have told me several times that their interactions with the children here help them forget some things they face and remind them this effort is worth it. And of course the children receive clothing, school supplies, candy, and admiration in return. It’s a win-win scenario. Enjoy! (please forgive a little merry seasonal poetry)
Returning, the soldiers of the 116th Idaho National Guard Reserves (that I have lauded here so shamelessly) again addressed the girl through the translator. What would she like for a reward? The girl answered simply, “a pencil.” Hence Operation Crayon and its successor programs have already had some valuable returns.
I searched for the article, reported in Idaho’s “Idaho State Journal” but only found a reference to this story in this article: Milestones
I don’t need to tell you again how endeared the soldiers and the children are to each other, but I needed an excuse to post more pictures of the little folks in Iraq (sorry, they are some of my favorite subjects). The soldiers have told me several times that their interactions with the children here help them forget some things they face and remind them this effort is worth it. And of course the children receive clothing, school supplies, candy, and admiration in return. It’s a win-win scenario. Enjoy! (please forgive a little merry seasonal poetry)
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