What Is Your Passion?: In the Light of Time and Eternity

© 2013 Reverend Dr. Anthony J. DeMarco. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 07/13/2018

ISBN: 978-1-4918-0815-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-0814-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-0939-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013914413

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SMDA Memorial Services

*     Marine Protestant Chapel, Camp Lejuene, NC

* *  Marine Catholic Chapel, Camp Lejuene, NC

All other Memorial Addresses were presented at various geographical locations across America.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the memory of my wife Dorothy who was my companion for fifty-one years. Her strength, courage, and love for me and our five children are forever written in the Books of Heaven. Our five children loved and adored their mother even as I and their names are Frances Susan, Anthony Jr. Dennis Paul, Stephen John, and David Thomas. I also dedicate this book to all my Marine friends of the Second Marine Division Association. God bless them all.

Preface

As the national chaplain of the Second Marine Division Association, I was required to present a memorial address each year at two important events, the Second Division’s birthday at Camp Lejuene, North Carolina, and the annual reunion of the Second Marine Division Association, which is held at various locations across America.

I had been asked numerous times, after delivering my annual memorial address at each location, to compile all my memorial addresses and publish a book. This I have done. The most consistent voice to publish the book belonged to USMC Major General O.K. Steele, retired. A former commanding general of the Second Marine Division, his foreword to my book speaks volumes about the consistency of content and passion of presentation with substantial effectiveness.

All authors who have written a book similar in content to this one know that it takes many hours to read, research, pray, meditate, write, and edit the manuscript of each presentation. I truly enjoyed the role of being a conduit for God of peace, faith, and hope. I was also honored to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the Second Marine Division Association.

I owe much to many for the opportunity of having served this association. Two special men made my tenure possible, and they are Paul G. (Jerry) Goforth of Yucca Valley, California, who nominated me as national chaplain at the national assembly, and the late President Fred Flammini of Brockton, Massachusetts, who appointed me in 2003.

My tenure with the Second Marine Division Association has been interesting, informative, exciting, and fruitful.

Introduction

In the midst of our country’s changing cultural landscapes that involve economic depression, political turmoil, and lack of moral integrity, one must stand firm on the enduring foundations of our nation’s icons: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Holy Bible.

The writing of my book took place after the tragedy of the Twin Towers in New York City, the deaths and injuries of thousands of innocent people, and the designation of the war on terrorism. The result was that thousands of our young men and women enlisted in the military service of our country and were willing to lay down their lives for the cause of freedom, justice, and security. This book is dedicated to those men and women.

This book focuses on the political, economic, and moral landscapes of our country that are constantly changing and how those issues have affected us. Each memorial address is a chapter that unfolds truths that inform and inspire the reader to be encouraged that in the midst of national conflicts that may cause mental and emotional distress, the cause of freedom and justice shall prevail.

Almost every family in America has been affected by the war on terrorism. Every soldier, sailor, aviator, and marine who was involved in that war has the scars of war that prove their courage under fire. May we never forget their sacrifices for our country.

What Do These Stones Mean?

Joshua 4:19–24

When the Israelites finally crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, something very special took place that called for a remembrance for generations to come. Forty years of wandering in the wilderness was over, and it was time to enter into the Promised Land. But the past must not be forgotten! God told the leaders of Israel to pile stones as a memorial.

It has been said that stones have no voice, but I want to tell you that stones do have a voice. Stones with and without inscriptions speak to us today.

When we go to a cemetery and look at the memorial stones, they tell us who is buried there. We see the date of birth and the date of death. Sometimes, there are other words written on the stone, such as Beloved Mother, Greatest Dad, Loving Daughter, and Precious Son. A stone can tell of heroism, love, and devotion. Stone monuments usually outlive the people who erect them. They keep memories alive long after the original players have left the scene. Stones speak to us today.

I would like to share a true story about a monument in another country that has inscribed upon it the words We will not forget to remember.

A minister friend of mine wrote an article in a newsletter. He and his daughter were visiting Edinburgh Castle in Scotland on a wintry November day. Rain was falling, and the sheer dominance of the medieval fortress in the heart of the city inspired visions of past glory. Mr. Rachels said it was a sobering walk through its treasures to be connected to its history.

He and his daughter ventured off into the War Memorial Rooms where, for a little extra money, they got the privilege of seeing some of Scotland’s glory and were able to feel a part of its hallowed past.

Around the main War Room walls were chiseled a multitude of images in sculptured bronze—soldiers, nurses, workers, and loyal compatriots whose lives were memorialized.

On tables along the walls were books upon books showing the names of individuals, their hometowns, and their regiments. Details and locations of their exploits were inscribed beside their names for anyone to read.

Their names were so thoroughly explored in the great memorial hall that my friend was overwhelmed by their significance. But he was unprepared for the simple eloquence of the next room. In its center was a large altar bearing the inscription Their Name Liveth. Etched into the walls was this revelation: Others also there are who perished unknown. Their sacrifice is not forgotten and their names, though lost to us, are written in the books of God.

The BBC TV cameras and commentary focused on stories of war’s agony and ecstasy, people, events, and courage that shaped a nation’s conscience. Churches paused during Sunday services to observe two minutes of silence. The phrase That their sacrifice not be in vain, nor their valor forgotten was heralded on every street corner.

These are people who gave everything, especially during the Second World War when their island home was the target of the enemy’s merciless bombing. Survival was the issue—a national emergency—and on Remembrance Day, people have decided not to forget, or allow their children to forget, although they did not see the battles or feel the fire.

In other words, if each generation is to remember special events of the past, we must teach them to our children. Mothers and fathers must take the time to remind them of those treasures of truth.

It is easy to forget, to fail to put a right value on sacrifices. Our World War II generation is fast leaving us, and that is another good reason for us to remind our sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that the greatest generation who fought in the service of our country shall not have died in vain. We are proud to be called US Marines. We are proud to have served in the Second Marine Division. We are the best!

During World War II, Rabbi Roland B. Gittelsohn was attending a memorial service at a cemetery in the Pacific. He said, Somewhere in this plot of ground, there may lie the man who could have discovered the cure for cancer. Under one of these Christian crosses, or beneath a Jewish Star of David, there may rest now a man who was destined to be a great prophet—to find the way, perhaps, for all to live in plenty, with poverty and hardship for none.

The monuments reflected the wise words of the chaplain.

The true story is told of the military recruiters who visited a local high school. Each recruiter was given fifteen minutes to speak in the hour-long assembly. The first recruiter, representing the army, spoke five minutes over his fifteen-minute allotment. He went on about the rewards and joys of the army. Immediately following him, the navy recruiter spoke. He also exceeded his time limit by five minutes. The air force recruiter did the same thing, speaking five minutes longer than the allotted time. How many minutes were left for the marine? Zero! The high school principal apologized to the marine recruiter, saying, We don’t have any time left, but in honor of the marines and your coming to our school, can you make a short presentation, possibly in two minutes?

The marine replied, I only need a minute.

He didn’t say a word. Straight-faced, he walked down the aisles with a look only the marines have. His glare pierced through that assembly of young students. He looked each one in the eye, never turning his back to them. Then he stepped to the podium and simply said, There are only two or three students in this entire school who can qualify to be a marine. If you think you are one of them, come see me.

Guess whose door the students flocked to.

The architect chosen to design the World Trade Center Memorial recently unveiled the design, entitled Reflecting Absence. At the unveiling, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, It is for our children and grandchildren. People, generations from now, will come and know what happened on September 11.

We must never forget! Thank God for the blood of heroes!

So we who are here today must not forget what the Second Marine Division has done to preserve the peace and the freedom that all Americans enjoy today.

We are gathered here today to not forget to remember! There are times when you may feel forgotten, but I must remind you that what you have contributed to the corps has not been forgotten. What you have contributed to life since you served your time in the corps has not been forgotten. There is knowledge of you and your work. Your name is written in the books of God. You are not forgotten. You are remembered.

As one looks across the many crosses and Stars of David at the Arlington National Cemetery, one is constantly reminded of the ultimate sacrifice of our young men and women for the cause of freedom and peace. Those monuments speak loudly and clearly to us today. Lest we forget. Lest we forget.

In closing, I want to reiterate this truth: we are told that God takes note of every sparrow that falls and even numbers the hairs on our heads. The least among us is very important to God, so make sure that He is as important in your life as you are to Him. Every day, say aloud, I am a child of God. God is interested in the smallest detail of my life. God loves me.

It is to our benefit and comfort to know that God is always present, even now. He is in the midst of our struggles as individuals, as families, as a community, and as a nation. He is a God who cares for us. We need to remember this: The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are His everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27).

Let us not forget. Let us always remember.

Making a Difference

Genesis 12:1–9

One of the most interesting stories in the Old Testament features the birth of the nation of Israel. God built up a nation as a testimonial to all surrounding nations that Elohim, the God of creation, is the one and only true God of the universe. To give birth to this nation, God looked for one special person on the earth to begin this process, and He found a man by the name of Abraham. The Bible says that God saw the righteousness of this man because he truly believed in the almighty God. God took the first step and approached this man. He told him to leave his home, his extended family, and friends and move in a westerly direction until God told him to stop. And when he stopped, that land, as far as he could see, would one day belong to his descendants. It would be a new nation called Israel.

Now that story may sound preposterous, absurd, or ridiculous to some people, but as we follow the history of Israel in the Bible, we find that King David and his son, Solomon, were descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the story is absolutely true.

What this means is that one man’s faith and obedience to a mission greater than him made an awesome difference in the affairs of all humankind through the centuries.

Let me tell you another true story of a man who was a lonely shepherd in the desert of Midian for forty years. This man heard the voice of God through the fire of a burning bush—a voice he would hear for the next forty years until the day of his death. This man was named Moses. God called him to lead Abraham’s descendants (who had grown in number into the tens of thousands) out of slavery in Egypt to the land of freedom and hope—a land that God had promised Abraham many years before. Moses responded to that call and became one