News Sandusky County, Ohio

Lest We Forget

On Memorial Day 2010, CBS Sunday Morning featured the efforts of Wayne Van Doren and his family to place American flags beside the grave sites of veterans in six Sandusky County, Ohio cemeteries.

The report began with these words: “New grave site flags flutter row upon row as if vying for a little attention in the midst of a Memorial Day weekend swirl of beaches, boats, and backyard barbeques.  It’s easy to forget that this holiday is meant to honor soldiers who died in our wars.”

“But Wayne Van Doren never forgets.  He’s been placing American flags at the graves of veterans since he was a boy.”

Wayne says the family tradition began in 1946.  He used to tag along when his uncle and father began putting out flags upon their return from WWII.  Wayne has carried on the tradition.  He goes through the obituaries daily, searching for veterans who have died.  When he finds one, he will cut the obituary out of the newspaper.  Then the next day or the day after, he will go out and locate the grave and mark it on his maps so he can keep track of the veteran’s grave.  He also checks with veterans’ organizations and county records to update his lists and maps.

“Why is it important to be that meticulous about it?” Wayne was asked.

“I just felt that it was important that everybody on the list was accounted for.  I think everybody should be recognized for what they’ve given.  They’ve earned it.”

Wayne’s 3 sons, 6 grandchildren, and his sister all join in the ritual.  In 2010, they set out 1,227 American flags in six cemeteries near their home in Clyde, OH.

They call out each name as they go.  “We speak their name out loud, and we speak the name out loud because that name has not been spoken for many years,” Wayne said.

The CBS Sunday Morning reporter noted that the veterans “range from generals to privates, soldiers from the Revolutionary War to Middle East conflicts, Medal of Honor winners to unknown soldiers.”

“There are a lot of these veterans that get forgotten.  I like to carry on.  It gives me a great feeling of satisfaction, pride, and accomplishment.”

“Do you feel like it’s your duty?”

“No,” Wayne immediately replied.  “It’s a privilege.”

On this Memorial Day weekend, it is our hope that all will also remember the One who gave His life for us so that we might live.  This One was the only One who could pay the price for our sins and give us the gift of eternal life, for He was – and is! – the sinless Son of God.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).  “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

YOU may receive the eternal benefits of His ultimate sacrifice by placing your faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turning from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confessing Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His word (1 John 1:7).

Won’t YOU accept God’s offer of salvation and eternal life on His terms?

Then, never forget the price that was paid for your redemption.  Show your gratitude by living for Him until He comes again.

-- David A. Sargent