God Bless America!

by Shauna Brown 

     

     The year was 1970. The United States had all ready been at war in Vietnam for five years. Three more years of fighting would continue until the Paris Peace Accords - treaty would be signed. Some of my high school friends had lost their lives for the cause of freedom.  

When given the opportunity to perform for the military I felt it an honor to serve my country. I love my United States of America. I was able to see up close the sadness within the eyes of those who don’t have such blessed freedoms. 

If you recall from one of my prior sharing I had been hospitalized in Okinawa. I had injured my vocal cords and had an inner ear infection making it impossible to stand, dance or sing. I had been told by the medical doctors that I would never sing again, and that I would always have a low and raspy voice. Can I just say, that was so depressing and difficult to hear. I loved to sing. I had sung my whole life. While pondering upon my plight I could almost hear my mother say, “You must have unwavering faith Shauna.”  I drew courage and said a prayer in hopes for answers, and comfort.  A hymn instantly came to mind and the words rendered comfort.

Lead, kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom;

Lead thou me on!

The night is dark, and I am far from home;

Lead thou me on!

Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see

The distant scene—one step enough for me. 

    My thoughts led to inquire if there were any LDS soldiers on the nearby base. With the aid of my military escort I found myself not too long after surrounded by five Latter-day Saint soldiers, who had volunteered to come and administer. Relief and confidence came as they laid their hands upon my head and gave me a priesthood blessing. I felt such warmth and love. Alone in Okinawa, but not alone. I felt a sweet peace as well as an inner reassurance that I would sing again some day.

      From that moment forward I got better. For a few days my military escort rolled me into hospital rooms to visit the sick and needy. I couldn’t talk, but with the use of a notepad and marker I could communicate. It was a bitter, sweet experience. To look into the faces of so many who had become handicapped, depressed, or had lost the will to live. .  

    Within a matter of days I was released from the hospital. I was deemed well enough to rejoin my USO troop. I still couldn’t talk, but I could mouthe the words. Gratefully, I was gaining back my strength and weight.  I now could stand without falling over.  

      My new found circle of friends met me at the airport and wished me well on my journey. I stepped aboard a large military airplane.  I was taken back, surprised, as soldiers stood and cheered my arrival. I have never, ever received or ever since had such a grand welcome. The defense department had arranged for my travel. The flight would make a brief stop for me in Taipei, where I would meet up with the rest of my USO performing group. 

I was quickly informed that my plane was filled with soldiers headed for the front lines. Sure enough they were combat ready, helmets, guns and ammo.  It was instantly sobering upon the sight. I could only imagine their thoughts and concerns as they faced the realities that come with battle. I was surrounded by young men who think they are prepared and skilled for battle.Yet, so, so recently, I had come face to face with some who bore a strong testament of war and all its possibilities. I had visited the sick, the broken, maimed and depressed. I had listened to their stories. Freedom  and the fight for it was most vivid on my mind.

      During the flight my escort suggested, “Maybe we can pray for them.”  He indicated that he had been most impressed by the blessing that had been given to me by the LDS elders. Inspired by my circle of priesthood men he asked aloud if someone might pray upon these soldiers.  I was so moved as I watched a young soldier stand and offer words and expressions of joined love. Gratitude for his of country, love of family.

     Nearing the end of my flight one soldier extended,  “let’s sing a song for her, God Bless America.” 

I knew I was the only female aboard, and was humbled as one voice, joined by more, until I could hear them all.  I couldn’t hold back the tears. I stood  in respect and listened  and cried while they sang: 

God Bless America, 

Land that I love. 

Stand beside her, and guide her 

Thru the night with a light from above. 

From the mountains, to the prairies, 

To the oceans, white with foam 

God bless America, My home sweet home. 

I sadly realized, some would never return home. They would never see their land or families that they loved again.  I looked into their faces, though my eyes were blurred by  tears.  Oh, how I wanted to sing with full voice.... for them... to give them comfort, courage and unwavering faith in an all knowing Father in Heaven. 

Lead, kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom;

              Lead thou me on!

The night is dark, and I am far from home;

Lead thou me on!

Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see

The distant scene—one step enough for me. 

        Oh, may we never forget those who have fought to secure our freedoms and the rights and privileges of that freedom. 

Stand tall!  Rise your red, white and blue and join with those voices....

Proclaiming and  singing , “God bless America!”  

Realizing that it is... In God We ALL Must Trust! 

Have a Great Sabbath

Love Shauna