Drinking From Wells I Did Not Dig

“So it shall be, when the LORD your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant—when you have eaten and are full—then beware, lest you forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.--Deuteronomy 6:10-12 (NKJV)

Grateful Sons of WWII Veterans

In a documentary released last year entitled League of Grateful Sons, Doug Phillips journeyed with World War II Veterans who fought the Japanese in the battle of Iwo Jima. In commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of this historic invasion, veterans and family members of men who died on the island reflected on lessons learned from the horrors the victorious soldiers experienced. Although confined to a wheelchair, one of the veterans who returned to the island discussed his faith and Americanism with shocking humility. He cited Deuteronomy 6:11, noting his motivation for serving his country sprang from the recognition that he enjoyed freedom because of the sacrifices of others. As the scripture states, the Israelites would drink from wells they had not dug and gather from vineyards they had not planted. Americans enjoy freedom for which most of us have sacrificed nothing.

Would I Give My Life?

In 1983, as I High School Senior, I entered a local American Legion Essay Contest. The assigned topic was “What Americanism Means to Me.” I won the first place prize, which was a $100 Savings Bond and a free meal at the Legion Hall. While I don’t remember all I wrote, I do remember proclaiming “If it is required, I am willing to die for my country.” I was 18, sporting an afro and slow-growing facial hair (I shaved once a week). Frequently and hauntingly, I recall my bold statement. Was I serious?

An Unearned Freedom

As a 41 year-old father of three energetic and entertaining children, I recognize my generation has benefited more than any other from the sacrifices of the past 230 years. We’ve enjoyed the highest standard of living than any other nation in history without having to wonder where our next meal would be found unlike our depression-era predecessors. We made plans for college without the fear of being drafted and transported to the jungles of Vietnam before we grew our first dozen chest hairs. We have never known a world without television, telephones, refrigeration, and air-conditioning. We have drank from wells we have not dug.

Consequently, I have to give something back to America. I must demonstrate my gratitude. If I don't, I am a pitiful man.