Memorial Day calls us to remember, to not forget the sacrifices of so many service people who lost their lives for our country. Remembering is not enough. We need to bear witness to the history. To bear witness is to give proof that something existed.

Recounting history is merely retelling the story. It doesn’t carry the personal weight of the sacrifices. Pain and suffering are glossed over as the cost of war. War changes lives, changes families. Time passes and it is easier to lose sight of the significance of the sacrifice.

In honor of those who gave their lives in WWII, I need to bear witness to the stories of my dad. I need to talk about the battle on Okinawa, his role as a scout. He didn’t like to talk about the war. It was too painful. He witnessed and contributed to so much death.

He and fellow scout John were pinned down by the Japanese. The Japanese were advancing quickly. As scouts they were ahead of the frontline and couldn’t retreat without exposing themselves and likely being killed. The only way to survival was to lay down amongst already dead soldiers and pretend to be dead. According to John, the Japanese walked across their backs as they headed toward American army and marine soldiers.

Stories like this come with deep pain, wounds I can’t begin to understand. The trauma of the war came home with them as it does with so many. They were focused on forgetting and moving on. As we now know, that is not how trauma works.

¹¹ I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
¹² I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” ¹³ Your ways, God, are holy.
    What god is as great as our God? ¹⁴ You are the God who performs miracles;
    you display your power among the peoples. (Psalm 77:11-13 NIV)

The Psalms are filled with lament, with pain and the constant reminder that God hears us, brings comfort to the brokenhearted, and restores our inmost being. When I bear witness, I allow us to see inside the experience, the place where God is at work. It opens the door for healing, restoration and miracles.

Do you bear witness? Do allow the experience to live on? Share your story here to breathe life and bring hope to others.