30
2011
Memorial Day
An article by 
Fifteen years ago my life was a whole lot different. Finishing my Doolie year at the Air Force Academy, the path that I had chosen for my life is vastly different from the one that God has taken me down. While my time at the Academy came to an unplanned end shortly after the conclusion of my freshman year, each year at this time I can not help but reflect on my brief time there, and the sacrifices made on my behalf both by those in my class, and those who have served and are serving throughout our armed services.
After watching Taking Chance this weekend, my reflection on Memorial Day have been a little deeper than usual. While the movie reduced me to tears, I think it is one that everyone should watch once. While watching the movie, I could not help but think back to one of our traditions at the Academy. Upon the passing of a cadet or Academy grad an announcement would be made before the noon meal, followed by the recitation of the third verse of the Air Force Song:
Here’s a toast to the host
Of those who love the vastness of the sky,
To a friend we send a message of his brother men who fly.
We drink to those who gave their all of old,
Then down we roar to score the rainbow’s pot of gold.
A toast to the host of men we boast, the U.S. Air Force!
To those of you who have served: thank you.
To those of you who are still serving: take care, my friend; and watch your six…
About the Author: Matt Steen
Over the last fifteen years I have been a Church Planter, Youth Pastor, Executive Pastor, and now I serve as a Church Concierge with churchsimple.net. I love Jesus, my wife, the Redskins and Capitals and am currently living on Long Island striving to properly pronounce the word G'island.
