ANZAC Address 2011 (April 25th)

ANZAC DAY ADDRESS
2011
When human beings recognize their mortality they more easily understand the precious gift of life. They more readily consent to those words of Scripture that say, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21
Today we remember those who were taken away in the service of duty. We are blessed by their sacrifice. The official death toll for Australians in the war at Gallipoli is on record at 8,709. It’s a small number relative to the whole conflict but its symbolic significance is immense. Gallipoli has united the collective consciousness of two nations. It is a rallying point for the remembrance of those who were willing to die that others might live. It was the beginning of a new appreciation for the efforts of those who have fought in every engagement since that time down to the present day. It now stimulates the young to value the lessons of history.
The untold horror, the indescribable pain, the secret grief borne by those who sacrifice was supreme is often left hidden to protect the loved ones who remain. They carried to the grave their sufferings so that those at home could be spared. God defends the vulnerable in such ways. Some may choose to sit in judgment on the wisdom of engaging conflicts of the past. Prudence certainly demands such critiques. But the honour and valour of those who fought must never be surrendered. The collective strength of society depends on it. Remembrance can serve to remind us how things were so we better understand how we want them to be.
It is no small treasure that the free peoples of the world defend. Humanity bears the image of its Maker. With that image comes privilege and responsibility. But the privileges of stable and democratic society can breed indifference in subsequent generations. Freedom does not come by chance. Democratic government is a gift of God. It is never to be taken for granted
If we are to remain free it will not be by apathy or weakness. The price of liberty is eternal vigilance. The cost is sacrifice. When men prize their affluence more than their autonomy they are no longer free. When they value entitlement more than they cherish freedom then indifference threatens to rob them of excellence. When personal interests take precedence over the well-being of society, especially the most vulnerable- the unborn and the elderly- then human dignity and democracy come under attack. Today we honour those who fought and died defending such ideals.
We entreat the Almighty God to grant us the courage to defend true freedom, the generosity to share it broadly, the compassion to distribute it gently, and the humility to never let privilege lead to the oppression of others. Above all may He give us a heart for our fellow man that mirrors the sacrifice of His own Son. Only in this way can we honour the freedom and peace achieved by those in the past and extend it to generations to come.
We have this promise, “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11
Pastor Darrin Kohrt
Concordia & Outlying Lutheran Churches