War was a protest song written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong and produced by the Temptations on the Motown label in 1969. It was released as a single with Edwin Starr as the vocalist. The Temptations were not featured on the single to avoid offending the more conservative fans. It became a most popular protest song, and the lyrics powerfully remind us of the cost of war.
Four of us went down to join the military in 1969; eventually, two joined the Marines and two joined the Air Force. I joined the Air Force. Of the two who joined the Marines, one was killed in Vietnam, and the other came back in a wheelchair for life. I still remember the funeral. Vietnam had a tremendous impact on my generation.
I have only had two major fist fights in my life, and both were when I was 19 and 20 fighting with an anti-war protester. Many in the military who experienced the disdain of others failed to comprehend the hatred aimed at us. My friend and I were warned to leave Dallas or remove our uniforms. I had a man walk up and spit in my face. We had garbage thrown at us from a passing car, accompanied by cursing and threats. We ended up in Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Thailand, but neither went to Vietnam. I was in the Philippines, on the flightline, when the Vietnam POWS stepped off the planes during the weeks of Operation Homecoming. Eventually, civilians, including my wife, could watch them deplane on the flightline.
Other stories could be told, but Memorial Day is about those who gave their lives in service to their country. It is about Randy, who joined the Marines that day and never came home. It is about the many names on the Wall and the thousands in other wars. It is about the wars we fought in generation after generation, some that had to be fought, and others that should have been avoided. BUT it is always about the bravery and the ultimate sacrifice of the person who wore the uniform and took up arms to protect others. It is said that a combatant is not fighting because of hatred for the enemy, but because of their love for those at home.
When Jesus was discussing the cost of discipleship, he used the illustration of war.
31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.” (Luke 14:31-33, NIV)
On this Memorial Weekend, 2025, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice—those who gave up freedom to protect our freedom. AND those families who still grieve today, the loss of their sons and daughters.
I also pray for the future, that our leaders will count the cost, not in dollars and not in pride, but in lives, before they commit our troops to another war.
Our Nation: Praying for Peace but Prepared for War.
Dr. James D. Allen
https://www.youtube.com/@overflowinghope180
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Dr. James D Allen
Dr. Allen served as a seminary VP, pastor, and as a trustee on a Christian mental health Board. He has earned a BA, MA, MA Biblical Counseling, Doctor of Ministry. Dr Allen has also preached on 5 continents, lived in 3 nations, and so has a diverse Christian experience. He has a distinguished career of being a pastor, consultant, author, and educator. MY FIRST LOVE--Being a Pastor and encouraging others!
