“Inquire now of bygone generations, 

and consider what their ancestors have found”

–Job 8:8

Recently, I toured The National World War II Museum in New Orleans. In general, spending an hour or two in a museum is the maximum visit for me, but Lori and I spent nearly four hours moving through that amazing place. Even so, we probably covered only ten percent of its content of stories and film and artifacts. The website (nationalww2museum.org) gives you a feel for what it contains, but you have to visit to experience its power.

The designers of the museum did an incredible job of offering a 5-7 minute video about one aspect of the war effort and then letting you walk through exhibits that offer more in depth information about that chapter. Section after section in the facility follows that pattern. It tells of leaders of the Allied and Axis Forces, describes acts of bravery and blunder, and recounts the great build-up of the military and domestic production. I learned more and more with each exhibit.

I didn’t know, for instance, that the U.S. Army at the start of WW2 was only the 19th largest in the world, just behind Romania. I was unaware of the fervent national movement for the U.S. to stay out of the conflict and how Charles Lindbergh was its leading voice. I learned about Ernie Pyle whose newspaper column allowed loved ones at home to understand what the soldiers were facing, of the military chaplains who provided comfort, and how Ford Motor Company changed its plants, eventually producing a bomber every 63 minutes.  

I had heard stories about rationing and war bonds, key battles and the atomic bomb. I had studied those things in school, seen movies and read books as well, but had never understood the full scope of events. As we left, I had a far more complete picture of what it took to achieve peace 80 years ago. I also had a sense of regret for not being more intentional about asking those who had been part of that period of time to tell me about what it had been like for them.

I had worked alongside a man in my first pastorate who had been part of the D-Day invasion and officiated at the funeral for a man in my final church whose heroics on that same day in 1944 became the basis for the title figure in “Saving Private Ryan.” I had heard some of their accounts, but I think about the numerous other parishioners who had also served in the war and my own parents and grandparents who lived through those years.  With rare exception I never asked them what it was like to be part of the war effort or what they felt when it finally ended. It’s now too late to ask those questions and hear their stories. I regret it deeply.        

“Inquire now of bygone generations,” a voice in the Bible said “and consider what their ancestors have found.” The speaker was Bildad, a friend of Job, the one who experienced great suffering. Bildad’s intent was to explain why Job had endured such incredible losses. Spoiler alert–he thinks Job had done something wrong and was being punished by God. Despite that bad theology, his words were spot on in encouraging Job and now us to ask the older generation about their experiences. To let ancestors teach us lessons that we still need. 

Veterans Day is an ideal opportunity to express appreciation to those who have served in the past or are doing so today, defending the cause of freedom. Take a vet to lunch to thank her or him.  Offer to babysit the child of one who is currently deployed, giving the spouse a moment to catch his or her breath. Write a note of appreciation or give them a call. If you have friends or loved ones who lived through previous times of war, asking them what it was like for them and our nation. The time will inevitably come when the opportunity passes so take advantage of the moment today.

A well-meaning friend from the Bible put it well. “Inquire now of bygone generations, and consider what their ancestors have found for we are but of yesterday, and we know nothing, for our days on earth are but a shadow.” You just never know where your questions will lead. 

God of all nations, we are humbled by the sacrifices made by those in our present and past for the cause of freedom and peace. Help us to hear their stories and learn from them that the day might yet come when all wars cease. Amen.