Area resident Bob Zak asks, ‘Have we earned it?’
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
This weekend includes “Memorial Day,” a time to honor those “who gave their last full measure” – Abraham Lincoln. This started back at the beginning of our nation, in our state’s namesake, General George Washinton, a Godly man who constantly sought God’s Will and help. The iconic painting of Gen Washington, kneeling in prayer at Valley Forge, seeking God’s help, is forever in our minds.

Fast forward to WWII – Saving Private Ryan, where the opening scene shows an elderly “Private Ryan” visiting the grave of CPT Miller, KIA, after finding Private Ryan, and as he succumbed to his wound, grabbed Ryan by the collar of his jacket and said “EARN IT” meaning the freedom CPT Miller’s squad all died for to find hm. Ryan, standing at the grave stone, asks “Did I earn it?”
As the Boy Scout Oath states “Duty to God” – are we obeying God’s Word? Have we “Earned it” meaning God’s blessing in how we “conduct our lives?”
There are 613 references in the Old Testament where God sets up what He expects of us, “stewardship of civil government.” One example: Isaiah 45: 1-7. Hillcrest Nazarene, Salmon Creek, Vancouver, is the only church that I know of, which has a military bulletin board, used for praying for our military service members. There are only two days of the year we honor our military; Veterans Day for the living and Memorial Day for those who have passed. Have we done our duty to God and have we “Earned it”(freedom is not free)?
Bob Zak
Hazel Dell, Lakeshore, Vancouver
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- Opinion: In search of joy at Vancouver Mall during Christmas timePaul Valencia reflects on his annual Christmas-time visit to Vancouver Mall, finding nostalgia, people-watching, and moments of joy amid last-minute holiday shopping.
- Opinion: Atmospheric River events mean even less clearance for vessels crossing under the proposed Interstate Bridge PlanNeighbors for a Better Crossing argues that high river levels from atmospheric river events further reduce vessel clearance under the proposed Interstate Bridge design, creating long-term navigation risks on the Columbia River.







