Others

It is said that one Christmas in the early 1900’s, William Booth, Founder of The Salvation Army wanted to send words of greeting and encouragement to his comrades around the world. 

In the past, General Booth had used a traditional telegraph to communicate transatlantic messages but communication was evolving and the ability to communicate via wireless telegraphy was beginning to emerge.  General Booth therefore sent a single word through a transatlantic message using what at the time had to be cutting edge technology.  That single word was a powerful message that seems rather apt on Memorial Day weekend.  In his message Booth simply said the word “OTHERS”. 

I am in awe of the incredible sacrifice the men and women of our military make each and every day to ensure the safety and security of our nation and so many others around the world.  Each day the men and women of our military place the wellbeing of “others” before their own.  This weekend we honored the legacy of those who lost their lives in the line of duty.  We each owe them a debt of gratitude for their selfless service and must do all we can to support the families who are forced to adjust their lives dramatically as a result. 

Care for others is something each of us can do.  The Salvation Army provides a wonderful platform for such a calling.  Each day our staff and volunteers put the needs of other before their own doing everything they can to meet the needs of others throughout Solano County and around the world. 

In The Salvation Army, each Memorial Day weekend we take time to also honor Salvation Army Officers (like my wife and I) that give their lives to the service of others.  This year, the service was particularly personal for my wife Vickie and I as Vickie’s mom, an active Salvation Army Officer in El Sobrante, CA was as we call it in The Salvation Army “Promoted to Glory”.  In Major Pat Wetter I saw a wonderful example of selfless service to others.  She constantly sacrificed for others, providing an emergency home for foster children, working tirelessly feeding families and leading programs for children and women, even in her last days.  Her promotion was rather sudden but the impact she had on the lives of countless people continues to stand as a tribute to her life of service.

I would personally like to say thank you to all those who selflessly give their time and talents to the service of others and salute the members of our military for put others before themselves.