World News Through the Third Lens: Voluntown honors Marine's sacrifice

"He loved Voluntown. This was home to him, and he would have loved seeing the patriotism and the pride that has been on display in this community and in your hearts this week in his behalf." Words spoken by Rev. Franklyn Ward at the funeral of Marine Lance Cpl. Tyler Owen Griffin in Voluntown, CT Wednesday morning. Griffin was killed in Afghanistan on April 1 during combat operations, after being in the country just 30 days. He will be buried Monday in Arlington National Cemetery.

The center of this town of 2700 people was closed to through traffic for 5-6 hours Wednesday, as the Baptist Church and Constitution Field across the street were dedicated to paying respect to its 19-year-old hometown hero. The field was outfitted with two large tents and scores of picnic tables brought in from several organizations in the region. Several fire department members were on hand, either in dress uniform at the funeral or doing fire police duties to control traffic. Hundreds, if not thousands of volunteers were involved in an effort of excellence to honor this young man who made the ultimate sacrifice. Volunteer efforts ranged from official duties, to erecting tents, to making sandwiches and cookies.

At the service, two memorable comments (among others) were made. U.S. Navy Chaplain Don Biadog said: "The highest tribute we can give to Tyler is not grief, but gratitude for making the ultimate sacrifice. His memory of sacrificial service to our God and country will always brighten our dreary days." And then Rev. Ward said that Tyler left behind an important message. "It is not how long we live, but how meaningfully we live that matters. It is the donation, and not the duration, that adds eternal significance to our lives." Connecticut Governor, M. Jodi Rell, and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal paid their respects in person. Mr. Blumenthal was quoted as saying, "Seeing the flags and firemen, police and townspeople was a very powerful tribute. It brought tears to my eyes. This town is united for one of their own. They helped nurture him and he did them proud."

Lance Corporal Tyler Owen Griffin's body will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, 19 April, 2010.

Through the Third Lens of Scripture

Because the big picture of a military unit venturing into a combat zone is that of personal sacrifice for the purchase or preservation of liberty in behalf of others, the first Scripture that comes to mind is something said by Jesus. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) I think it can be said that Tyler Griffin loved his family, his friends and his country. Some people demonstrate this sort of love without ever experiencing physical death in the process. They do this by becoming living sacrifices, denying their own ambitions and taking up their crosses, ministering to the needs of others as they follow Christ.

"Then Jesus said to them all: 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23) Jesus was not talking here about physical death, for that could not be experienced daily. That's a one shot deal (Hebrews 9:27) He was talking about daily dying to self-ishness. Paul put it this way: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1) I spent 4 years in the Army myself, so I'm not going to romanticize this, nor am I going to portray everyone who ever put on a uniform as a saint. Even the Band of Brothers of the 101st Airborne Division, after distinguishing themselves in battle after battle across northern Europe, were engaged in some rather despicable acts while acting as an Army of Occupation. Nevertheless, when a manor woman puts on the uniform, they are in principle denying themselves. They no longer go where they want, but where their orders command. Their mission is no longer to achieve personal pleasure and comfort. For these and many other reasons, I honor and respect the military - veteran and active duty alike. Those people who launch protests at military funerals are barking up the wrong tree. Unfortunately, many of them portray themselves as Christians, which only gives Christ a bad name.

The motto "for God and country" is familiar to most people, but is it biblical? Yes! For millennia God has identified Himself with nations and countries. This subject alone could comprise a rather extensive Bible study. Suffice it to say here that for the last 4000 years, God (YHWH) has identified Himself with the people and nation of Israel. The following is a portion of His promise to Abraham: "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you" (Genesis 12:2). About 3000 years ago, these inspired words were penned, which could apply to any nation: "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people" (Proverbs 14:34); "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..."(Psalms 33:12a). Then about 2000 years ago, the last book in the Bible was written, in which we find these words concerning the New Jerusalem, which is a yet future reality: "The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it." (Revelation 21:24). In addition to the Bible, I would recommend that you read two books by Peter Marshall: The Light and the Glory, and From Sea to Shining Sea. If you don't already, after reading those books I think you agree that God Almighty had a hand in the founding and formation of this nation.

Without getting into the politics of wars, or even whether the engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan are even constitutional, I'm sure Tyler did not portray himself as a politician, a lawyer or a bureaucrat. He was a Marine (generically a soldier). God has always validated soldiers who conduct themselves with integrity and bravery. From what I know, Tyler griffin was such a soldier. The Scriptures say: "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ" (2 Timothy 2:3). I have a 21-year-old grandson, Andrew, who is also a Marine, and who arrived in Afghanistan about 10 days after Tyler. Andrew graduated from Griswold High School a year before Tyler and went to boot camp a year before him also. I pray several times a day for his safety and protection, and that Andrew will conduct himself with honor. Andrew lived in Voluntown for a few years, and his connection to Tyler will continue. Last night the Three Rivers Young Marines collected a lot of deserts that did not get eaten at the reception - and they are sending them to Andrew and his unit.

As the return of the Lord Jesus Christ draws ever closer, we have been told by Him that one of the signs would be "...wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pangs" (Matthew 24:6-8). (for a teaching series on this whole topic, go to www.endtimesencouragement.blogspot.com) In the meantime, Voluntown - we did a noble thing. Let us remain humble in our pride, for God was in it, motivating and enabling us to do His will. (Philippians 2:13) For He tells us to give honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7).

One day all of this will end. "He (God) will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4). Until then, rest in peace Tyler, and thank you for what you have given. And may the Lord bless and keep Andrew; thank you for what you are giving.

by: Les Young, a proud grandfather, a blessed resident of Voluntown, and a humble servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.