Veterans' Day

Last Sunday, looking toward today, Nov. 11, Veterans' Day, we paused to give thanks for all who served, and especially these American soldiers whose deaths were announced in the previous week:

• Army Sgt. Diego A. Solorzanovaldovinos, 24, of Huntington Park, Calif., who died of wounds suffered in the Yahya Khel district in Afghanistan.
• Army Cpl. Brett W. Land, 24, of Wasco, Calif., in the Zhari district, Afghanistan.
• Army Spc. Jonathan M. Curtis, 24, of Belmont, Mass., in Kandahar, Afghanistan
• Army Pfc. Andrew N. Meari, 21, of Plainfield, Ill., in Kandahar, Afghanistan
• Marine 1st Lt. James R. Zimmerman, 25, of Aroostook, Maine, in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
• Army Sgt. 1st Class Todd M. Harris, 37, of Tucson, Ariz., in Badghis province, Afghanistan
• Army Spc. James C. Young, 25, of Rochester, Ill., in Kandahar province, Afghanistan
• Army Spc. Blake D. Whipple, 21, of Williamsville, N.Y., in Ghazni province, Afghanistan
• Army Sgt. Michael F. Paranzino, 22, of Middletown, R.I., in Kandahar, Afghanistan
• Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon W. Pearson, 21, of Arvada, Colo., in Helmand province, Afghanistan
• Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew J. Broehm, 22, of Flagstaff, Ariz., in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Since Sunday, the deaths of these additional soldiers have been announced:

• 11/4 Army Sgt. Jason J. McCluskey, 26, of McAlester, OK, at  Zarghun Shahr, Mohammad Agha district, Afghanistan
• 11/5 Marine Staff Sgt. Jordan B. Emrick, 26, of Hoyleton, Ill., in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
• 11/6 Marine Lance Cpl. Randy R. Braggs, 21, of Sierra Vista, Ariz., in Helmand province, Afghanistan
• 11/6 Army Pfc. Shane M. Reifert, 23, of Cottrellville, Mich., in Kunar province, Afghanistan
• 11/7 Army Sgt. Aaron B. Cruttenden, 25, of Mesa, Ariz.in Kunar province, Afghanistan
• 11/7 Army Spc. Dale J. Kridlo, 33, Hughestown, Pa.in Kunar province, Afghanistan
• 11/8 Army Spc. Andrew L. Hutchins, 20, of New Portland, Maine, died Nov. 8 at Khost province, Afghanistan
• 11/8 Army Spc. Anthony Vargas, 27, of Reading, Pa., died Nov. 8 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan  
• 11/9 Marine 2nd Lt. Robert M. Kelly, 29, of Tallahassee, Fla., in Helmand province, Afghanistan

As a WWII vet said to me this week, "Back then, everyone knew we were in a war, and even on the Home Front, everyone was involved." Today we are almost oblivious. Today is a good day to be more mindful.

God, we pray for families and friends and all who grieve for loved ones lost in war. Meet them in the valley of death's shadow. Embrace them in the healing warmth of your comfort, grace, and love.

--Jack Lohr, Interim Pastor