Posted by Helen on: 05.28.2007 /
Benjamin has posted a thoughtful post for Memorial Day called What does it mean to “die for your country”?. I posted a comment on it.
My maternal grandparents were German Jews. They were able to escape Germany shortly before World War II because they had relatives overseas who could help them leave. Otherwise I probably wouldn’t be here. Other Jews were less fortunate.
Whatever I might think about the wars being fought today, I am glad people stood up to Hitler. And whatever I think of war, it doesn’t diminish the bravery of people who have made the choice to give their lives to save others, in war.
And I love the words of this hymn, even though I affirm the right of each person to decide what deserves this type of love. It’s by Cecil Spring-Rice who served in the war office and foreign office. (Words and info taken from here, which also has a not-great rendering of the tune - which is in Holst’s Planet Suite, btw.)
I Vow To Thee, My Country
I vow to thee, my country—all earthly things above—
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love;
The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test,
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
The love that never falters, the love that pays the price,
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.And there’s another country, I’ve heard of long ago—
Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know;
We may not count her armies, we may not see her King;
Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering;
And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase,
And her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace.Cecil Spring-Rice