GRIZ BEAR COMMENTS: Honors received both here and yonder

Thursday was a day of great contrast in Gentry, certainly no ordinary day in Gentry’s history. It was a sad day for the family and friends of Ben Tuttle but also a day for rejoicing and gladness.

Outside the church where Ben’s funeral was held, thousands gathered to show their support for Ben’s family and to show their appreciation for Ben and for all who serve in the armed forces of this great nation.

Thanks, in large part, to Larry “the flagman” Eckhardt, who drove to Gentry from northern Illinois with 2,380 American Flags and a plan to help area residents pay their respects to a fallen soldier, Gentry, known for its celebrations of Independence Day and its flags flying on Main Street, was probably graced with more red, white and blue than ever before.

Patriotism and respect for those serving in uniform was at an all-time high as people came from near and far because they wanted to let the family of Ben Tuttle know they respected and appreciated the service of people like Tuttle who are willing to risk their own lives to defend the lives and well being of Americans.

Though the scene outside the church was one of patriotism, pride and respect, inside the church family members and friends who wept because one so well known to themand so close to them had been taken away were offered words of comfort and hope. Outside the church, Ben was honored as a fallen soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect this nation; but inside, ministers spoke of Ben’s service as a soldier for another commander in chief, Jesus Christ, a commitment Ben made years before enlisting in the Marine Corps.

Though those outside prepared the way for Ben’s body to be taken to its final resting place, those inside the church spoke of Ben and all who die with faith in the Lord Jesus being received into the company of the saints in heaven and hearing the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25).

It was indeed quite a contrast. On the one hand, the honor given to a fallen soldier; but on the other, the welcome of a soldier of the cross into heaven. Outside, the somber respect for one who died in the service of his country; inside, words of a victory song sung by those who have died trusting in the one who gave His life to redeem us. On the one hand, the untimely end of life; on the other, the beginning of a new life without end.

All this reminds me of an old hymn, written back in 1864 by William W. How. The hymn has 11 verses, but I include only part of them here:

“For all the saints who from their labors rest, who Thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed. Alleluia, Alleluia!

“Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might; Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight; Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light. Alleluia, Alleluia!

“O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia, Alleluia!

“And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, steals on the ear the distant triumph song, and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia, Alleluia!

“But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day; the saints triumphant rise in bright array; the King of glory passes on His way. Alleluia, Alleluia!

“From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, and singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost: Alleluia, Alleluia!”

I must admit I didn’t really know Ben, other than seeing him wrestle and play football while he was in high school, but I’ve heard others tell of his faith in Jesus.

And with Jesus as his redeemer and commander and chief, those who mourn his death can have the hope that the honor he received in his death is nothing in comparison to the welcome he (and all who have died in the faith) received when he joined the saints “who from their labors rest.”

Randy Moll is the managing editor of the Westside Eagle Observer. He can be reached by email at [email protected].

Opinion, Pages 6 on 07/31/2013