Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. Romans 1:22-25ESV
On Thursday, June 6, 2024, it was the 80th anniversary of the day known as D-day. A day that many recognize as a day that changed history for the world. Many books and articles have been written about that day and World War II that provide a lot of detail that I wish more of our younger generation had a greater interest in today. Of the 160,000+ men on those 7,000 ships and thousands of other vehicles engaged in the operation, the vast majority were under twenty.
At least 73,000 were from the United States and 83,000 from Britain and Canada. Many of those teenagers had never been in college and some had not completed high school. There were no riots or protests of the war or their governments. They were not promised anything for their service except the chance to fight for freedom and against evil. Thousands were killed within minutes of leaving the ships, but the others kept moving forward. Every one of those men played a part in winning that war and ensuring freedom.
Thousands more young men fought in the Korean War between 1950-53 when the fighting ceased. North Korea was supported by China and the Soviet Union and South Korea by the United Nations Command led by the United States. The Vietnam War (1955-75) was between North Vietnam (supported by China and the Soviet Union) and South Vietnam (supported by the US and anti-communist allies). President Kennedy increased the 1,000 US military advisors in 1959 to 23,000 by 1964. The US Congress passed a resolution that gave President Johnson authority to increase military presence without a declaration of war. President Johnson then ordered the deployment of combat units and dramatically increased American troops to 184,000.
During the twenty years between D-day and the major US military involvement in Vietnam, the average age of the men serving in the US Military was older and the vast majority had at least completed high school. The minimum age of eighteen was better controlled for those joining the military. The Vietnam War protests and riots were inspired by mostly students at some universities around the country. The military draft was still being used to fill the ranks and a small percentage of men in that age group did not want to be drafted and serve in the military. Many of those same men were involved in the drug culture as well. They protested against everything America stands for and they planted the seeds of hate for America.
Many of those same people stayed in college and became professors and then went on to positions of management at those major universities. The drug and free-sex culture grew along with the hate for all things American like a virus in a test tube. Those ideas were then taught to the students over the past generations, now down to the elementary grades. In 1960, only a small percentage of high school graduates went to college; however, the vast majority had a good understanding of WWII and what it meant to be American. Many Americans were confused about our involvement in Vietnam where around 500,000 Americans fought the communists and where 58,000+ Americans died, but still supported America and those who served.
The American military has been involved in many wars since Vietnam; however, the draft has not been used to staff the military in the United States since January 27, 1973. The vast majority of those serving in the American military today are just as patriotic as those who were involved in WWII; however, the same cannot be said for the average person in America today. Many with college degrees have very little understanding of American History and believe it is bad to be patriotic. Protests on college campuses are an everyday event with a level of hate against Israel and America that is out of control.
We have reached the point where highly educated people are pushing race-hating through DEI and crazy ideas about how to define a man or a woman. In recent years, normal conversations have been restricted to comments that have met a standard set by the most un-democratic people that have ever lived in America. Many in government and media have lied to the American Citizens to create fear to control what we can say or do to the extent that they are afraid to talk in public. To paraphrase some verses in the Bible: those beliefs and actions we held to be good in 1960 are now considered to be bad today while those beliefs and actions we considered to be wrong or bad are celebrated as good today.
Apostle Paul was concerned that the Church in Rome had lost its way and was adopting ideas from the world over the teachings of Jesus Christ. There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom.
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10-20 ESV
