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Hershel “Woody” Williams was the last surviving WWII Medal of Honor recipient. The Marine died in July at the age of 98. He received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman for action on Iwo Jima. Corporal Williams risked his live above and beyond the call of duty over a four-hour period clearing enemy emplacements with a flame thrower. At times, he moved against the enemy alone. His actions allowed the Marine forces to advance.*

Over the years, Williams has received honor in multiple ways. The Marine Corp shares his story with each new generation of soldiers. He received several honors from his home state of West Virginia. Following his death, the Senator from his state eulogized him on the Senate floor. Williams’ flag-draped casket also lay in the Capitol Rotunda on July 14 as family, service members and government leaders paid their respect.*

These honors help us understand Exodus 20:12. “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” (NIV) Besides seeing the way Woody Williams was honored, consider the following synonyms for the word honor: Admire, appreciate, celebrate, commemorate, praise, look up to, live up to, be faithful to. These are the ways to treat our parents. God promises long life to those who honor their father and mother.

*”Hershel W. Williams,” Wikipedia, last updated July 15, 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hershel_W._Williams#Medal_of_Honor_citation

*Doug Cunningham, “‘Woody’ Williams, last WWII Medal of Honor recipient, lies in honor at U.S. Capitol,” UPI News, July 14, 2022, https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/woody-williams-last-wwii-medal-of-honor-recipient-lies-in-honor-at-us-capitol/ar-AAZzsWA

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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.

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Today is Father’s Day, a day to honor the approximately 70 million fathers currently living in the United States.* I suppose that number includes both baby daddies and real fathers. Being a father is certainly more than being involved in a child’s conception. Fathers take the time to love us, provide for us and train us for adulthood. How will you honor your father or the men who were like fathers to you?

The first known observance to honor fathers occurred on July 5, 1908 when a Virginia church held an event to honor men killed in an explosion at the Fairmont Coal Company mines.* But the annual observance actually began in Washington state the following year. People have been honoring fathers on this day in different ways since that time.

One interesting event occurred in 1916, when President Wilson honored fathers in a snazzy new way. Thanks to the telegraph, he pushed a button in Washington D.C. and a flag unfurled in Spokane, Washington, thousands of miles away. One of the first instances of remote control.* Ahh, the remote control. Fathers still like those today!

Of course, we don’t need a national observance to know honoring fathers is good. We have the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:12 says, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” (NIV)

Take time today to honor your father.

*”Father’s Day 2022,” History, May 31, 2022, https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/fathers-day.

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When was the last time someone in your city was murdered? In the past couple of years, crime has increased in many American cities. Well over 150 people were killed in our metro area last year. And the increase in the homicide rate isn’t just a small rise. It has spiked! Every death is a tragedy. At least our culture still sees murder as evil.

Have you noticed that many of the 10 commandments are not considered that serious anymore? Sure, theft is still a crime and is usually condemned. But coveting – you know, desiring your neighbor’s property – is hardly looked down on. Or take adultery. There is hardly any shame associated with it any more.

Our culture may not considered these serious sins, but God does. That’s why they are listed in the 10 commandments. And you know something else God considers serious? How we treat our fathers and mothers. Remember this commandment from Exodus 20:12? “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” (NIV) This is the first command with a promise. Keep it and life will go well! Doing this positive command is just as important as avoiding murder! God considers the work of mothers, raising and teaching their children, as extremely important – even if our culture does not! Take a moment to honor your mother today!

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