Today’s Scripture
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13, ESV
Today’s Devotion
Who are the great heroes of World War II? Names like Patton, MacArthur, and Eisenhower immediately come to mind. There’s another name that should join them: Sadeo S. Munemori.
Munemori, a young Japanese American man, enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 1941. One month later, the Japanese military attacked Pearl Harbor. Soon after the attack, Japanese families in America were sent to internment camps for the duration of the war. Although Munemori’s family was taken to the Manzanar War Relocation Center in California, the young man never wavered in his commitment to his country.
Munemori was selected for military intelligence but voluntarily transferred (and stepped down in rank) to a Japanese American combat unit in Europe. There, he earned his place as an American hero. Munemori’s squad leader was wounded and his unit pinned down by German fire. The young man raced toward the enemy, took out two machine gun nests, and was headed back to safety when an unexploded grenade bounced off his helmet and toward his men. Without hesitation, Munemori dived for the grenade and shielded the soldiers from its blast. His brave actions echoed Jesus words in John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (ESV).
For his brave actions, Sadeo Munemori became the first Japanese American to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. His award was presented to his mother immediately after the war ended.
When we tell the stories of the men and women who have served our nation with honor, we honor their sacrifice. Whose story can you remember this Memorial Day? Has someone in your family given their life for their friends? How can you and your spouse celebrate the gift of freedom you’ve received as the result of their brave sacrifice?
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for those who have given their lives for our freedom. Thank you for Jesus’ sacrifice for our eternal freedom. Help us live in a way that honors those sacrifices. Amen.
