Thank You

Yesterday I met a remarkable young woman I see almost every day on TV. Rebecca Pepin is a local news anchor and editor of the book, Faces of Freedom—Profiles of America’s Fallen Heroes, Iraq and Afghanistan. This week we welcomed her to our church, where she spent some time sharing her story, and how this powerful book came about.

Rebecca’s story is compelling, particularly in light of Faces of Freedom. Born in Canada, she became an American on October 27, 2006. Gaining citizenship in the United States is not a quick and easy process, and she does not take her identity as an American lightly. In fact, I would dare to say immigrants who have earned their citizenship are far less likely than the rest of us to ever take it for granted.

The creation of the book itself is also an extraordinary story, and it was a truly collaborative effort. It profiles 52 fallen heroes—one from each state, as well as from the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Men and women from all branches of our military are remembered by contributing writers across the country. Many sponsors helped finance the endeavor, and all proceeds from sales of the book go to Fisher House Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project. Fisher House Foundation builds “comfort homes” on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. Wounded Warrior Project strives to raise consciousness of the needs of military service men and women who’ve been severely injured in the line of duty, and enlist the public’s aid for these valiant servants.

But the most forceful stories of all lie between the pages of Faces of Freedom. Rebecca will tell you her goal was to put faces to the numbers of fallen soldiers…numbers we have almost become desensitized to as the wars have continued. Personal histories, letters, photos, family anecdotes… All of the signposts of young lives lost are here, and I am humbled and filled with gratitude as I read each profile.

In her introduction to Faces of Freedom, Rebecca writes:

“The primary purpose of this book is to raise money to benefit veterans, through Fisher House and Wounded Warrior Project, and to heighten awareness about the sacrifice and selflessness of our troops. These men and women are not just numbers. They were our friends and neighbors, and the loved ones of our fellow Americans. While only 52 fallen heroes are featured here, Faces of Freedom is a tribute to all that have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we—and our future generations—may live in peace, security, and freedom.”

So on the eve of Veteran’s Day, it seems appropriate to encourage you to visit Rebecca Pepin’s website—www.rebeccapepin.com—and, if you’re able, to purchase a book (or several). You’ll not only be riveted by the stories, but you’ll be contributing to two great causes. (Copies of Faces of Freedom would make great Christmas gifts, too!)

Rebecca also includes this wartime prayer from Eleanor Roosevelt in her opening comments:

“Dear Lord,
Lest I continue
My complacent way,
Help me to remember that somewhere,
Somehow out there
A man died for me today.
As long as there be war,
I then must
Ask and answer,
Am I worth dying for?”

It’s a powerful question on Veterans’ Day and everyday. I don’t know the answer, but I can at least say thank you to all of those who have served and are serving today, and their families. If you have the chance to do the same tomorrow, I hope you take it.

Photo 1: Faces of Freedom cover
Photo 2: Rebecca Pepin
Photo 3: Rebecca and Ruth McGlothlin, mother of fallen Marine Ryan McGlothlin, Lebanon, Virginia.