Thus, in the “Rules for the Regulation of the Navy of the United Colonies” (1775), Adams stated in Article 2, “The Commanders of the ships of the Thirteen United Colonies, are to take care that divine service be performed twice a day on board, and a sermon preached on Sundays, unless bad weather or other extraordinary accidents prevent it.” Part of Gen. Washington’s reasoning was that, since the odds against our armed forces were so stacked, the last thing we want to do is to offend Almighty God – whose help we most desperately need: “The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger – The General hopes and trusts, that every officer, and man, will endeavour so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier, defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country.” And on this Memorial Day, we should remember the faith that helped give birth to this nation in the first place, and to thank God for those brave men and women who, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, “gave the last full measure of devotion” on the battlefield – that we might be free as a nation.
Author: Jerry Newcombe
Published at: 2025-05-20 22:45:11
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