Remembering Sacrifice, Preserving Freedom

Every life is significant. Countless service members throughout history have made the ultimate sacrifice, but too often their memory fades over time. We can forget acts of heroism and valor over time. But why should we remember their lives and sacrifices?

Consider what our country would be like if Hitler’s regime had been victorious? Remembering these sacrifices is vital. We must cultivate gratitude, humility, and motivation to safeguard freedom of future generations.

Today, we dedicate this devotional to the extraordinary Harold Christ Agerholm, a recipient of the Medal of Honor, and reflect on his heroism.

Harold Christ Agerholm’s Heroism as noted by the Medal of Honor Foundation:

Harold Agerholm, a remarkable young man, served with the 4th Battalion, 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division during the intense conflict against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on July 7, 1944. When the enemy launched a fierce counterattack, overrunning a neighboring artillery battalion, PFC Agerholm immediately stepped forward to assist in checking the hostile assault and evacuating the wounded. With utter disregard for his own safety, he tirelessly made perilous trips, braving heavy rifle and mortar fire. Single-handedly, he loaded and evacuated approximately 45 casualties over a grueling period of more than three hours.

Despite the relentless enemy fire, PFC Agerholm fearlessly rushed to aid two individuals whom he believed to be wounded marines. Tragically, he was mortally wounded by a Japanese sniper while carrying out this hazardous mission. His brilliant initiative, exceptional valor, and self-sacrifice, even in the face of certain death, reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. PFC Agerholm gallantly gave his life for his country.

Though less than 80 years have passed since his courageous act, the majority of our country has never heard of Harold Christ Agerholm. It’s uncertain if any of the 45 people he saved on that fateful day, or their descendants, commemorate him. His life was important, and his family experienced great loss. His mother privately and quietly accepted the presentation of his Medal of Honor on June 25^, 1945, choosing to avoid a public ceremony. Harold rests in a quiet grave in Mound Cemetery in his hometown of Racine, Wisconsin.

Let us honor the sacrifice!

Today we celebrate this brave, young man who made the ultimate sacrifice. We also celebrate the sacrifices of so many others. They had only one life to give. If they could speak to us today, they would implore us to not waste the costly gift of freedom. Each of us has a responsibility to honor the sacrifices of those who have come before us and to continue to fight to preserve freedom. The greatest freedom in the world surpasses freedom of speech, freedom of expression, or freedom of choice. This eternal freedom is offered to us through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and the gift of salvation. We are essential messengers to share this Gospel of freedom.

Let us encourage one another to cherish the freedom we enjoy today. May we not squander it for personal pleasure. Instead, let us use it to promote eternal freedom by sharing God’s gift of eternal life. As we reflect on the words of Isaiah, let us embrace our role as ambassadors of liberty:

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; 

He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 

To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; 

To comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; 

That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

Isaiah 61:1-3

May we honor the memory of Harold Christ Agerholm and fulfill our duty to preserve freedom for generations to come.

We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.

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