My Tribute at the Memorial Service of Cpl. Brandon D. Meyers
Unfortunately, I didn’t know my cousin Brandon very well. For a variety of reasons, as
adults, our paths almost never crossed. That’s regrettable. But I’m glad so many
knew him and have shared their memories. It’s been really good to hear what so many knew of Brandon.
I do know this, however: He was a brave man, as my brother has pointed
out in his tribute to his life. Brandon was brave. He served faithfully in our military. I admire that. I admire such service a great deal. I know that
takes courage, a courage I long to imitate.
Wars are ugly, and wars are messy. Almost invariably, probably, wars
are a mix of fighting for good, and fighting for no good reason. But I know
this: there are good things Brandon fought for, freedoms he helped to protect,
national security he helped secure. And for his sacrifices, and so many like
his, I’m grateful to God. I’m grateful.
I’m grateful for how the sacrifice of a military man, Brandon, points
to my supreme hero. I’m a Christian, as many of you know. So Jesus is my
supreme hero. I admire him like I admire no one else. He offered the supreme
sacrifice in giving his life for the world, when he didn’t have to do it.
And as I’ve thought about Brandon’s life in recent days, I think about
how it points—even amid terrible tragedy—to the One who sacrificed everything
for the good and welfare and life of others.
I admire the bravery of Brandon. I’m thankful for his service to our
country. I’m thankful for the sacrifice of his family in sending their son to
fight our messy and painful wars. And I’m thankful that this life, ended way
too soon, points to the supreme sacrifice that brings life to a dying world.
Jesus embodied a principle of supreme and sacrificial love, a principle
he taught his followers. He said to those who would follow him in
self-sacrifice: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his
life for his friends” (Jn. 15:13).
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