Among my most prized earthly treasures are a few important documents, dealing with duty.
This letter was given to my great grandfather, Garrett Gilbert, in February of 1919.
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This was given to my grandfather, Garrett's son-in-law, Augustine Mengarelli. He received it in June, 1944.
The first acknowledged some possible disappointment at not having seen action in the "actual battle area," and recognized the job well done by offering oneself to be trained and willing to serve in whatever capacity was required.
The other was sent as encouragement for coming action, shortly to be seen.
My grandfather, the recipient of one of 175,000 copies of the Eisenhower Order, landed on the beach in Normandy, France, serving as a combat medic. He ultimately made his way nearly to Berlin, assisting with the liberation of one of the terrible camps along the way. He saw many things not easily described. He lost his best friend in battle. Later in life, I only heard him tell a few of the funny stories he liked to remember.
These horrible wars brought untold suffering, upheaval, and destruction to countless individuals, families, communities, and nations, the effects of which are still alive and evident. I wish them never to repeat.
Reviewing the letters has got me thinking about duty.
There is a lot to be said on this subject. I'll raise the questions here more than trying to offer all the answers.
Are we weaker as a nation than we have been in the past? If so, why?
Could a waning sense of duty be contributing to the weakening some see today?
More importantly, how can we reinstill a sense of duty in our culture, and what benefits could it provide besides military readiness only?
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It's easy to look back on the past, so carefully couched by years of historical analysis and memory, with intervening time lending a settling sort of satisfaction, even occasionally smugness.
Perhaps looking at the great trials of the past causes us to wonder if we could face such terrible things as we've seen our forebears faithfully endure.
It's easy to see history like some kind of scripted setup, where the outcome was already known by those participating. Looking back with a more complete, informed perspective can skew our understanding of those we admire who actually worked through the difficulties.
For some, it's easy to forget the very real uncertainty and fear that gripped those who only later would be extolled in the pages of history.
For others, the challenges of the future don't seem so glamorous as those so strikingly presented to us now from our past. In turn, this attitude can cause an unfortunate apathy away from the worthy struggles that are ours to conduct.
I've wondered if I could have faced those things I see overcome by earlier generations.
I've come to learn that those pioneers of the past, in many instances, would shudder at the thought of facing down the demons that afflict us now in our time.
Each generation has their great opportunity, their big shot, their fight.
We ought not to envy another's challenge, thinking that it would not be so hard for us if that were the only thing we had to do. For the one facing it, it may be all they can handle.
For each comes their unique test. From each is required their unique ability.
All are tested according to their differing abilities. This makes us all unique.
All are tested to their own maximum capacity to overcome. This makes us all the same.
There is much to be learned from emulating examples of excellence. Regardless to the actual mechanics involved in one particular problem or another, applying the same guiding principles that empowered others to ably overcome their challenges can bless us immensely.
Many "great and noble undertakings" call to us.
How can we be ready to respond?
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Building upon the courage of my ancestors, my own path of duty has given me immeasurable growth and strength, for which I am ever grateful.
I marvel at the wisdom with which God has mercifully extended opportunities to me, and which, if left to my own devices, I would not have sought on my own.
A prophet has taught that, "The natural man is an enemy to God." (Mosiah 3: 19)
If not for specific teachings regarding God's priesthood, I would have remained His enemy, forever limited in my ability to bring to pass lasting happiness for myself or others.
The Lord has reached down and used my circumstances at pivotal points along my path to carefully shape me into something better.
One of these instances is witnessed by the following letter and certificate.
I am pleased by the misspelling of my name on my release certificate. Initially I wanted to have it corrected, but remembered an incident that quickly settled the mistake.
In June of 1831 the prophet Joseph Smith issued a call to serve as a missionary to Simonds (also spelled Symonds) Ryder (also spelled Rider). Instead of reporting for duty, Brother Ry(i)der forsook his faith and left the Church that September.
Sadly, he chose to take a step off his path with the Lord because Joseph misspelled his name on his mission call. He felt that Joseph could not be inspired of God as a prophet unless he was perfect in knowing how his name was spelled.
I decided that I liked having my name misspelled, as a reminder to keep my understanding of the ways the Lord uses imperfect sinners to conduct the business of His Church and Kingdom.
Prophets of God are men of God. This doesn't mean they are not also men.
In my own journey of leadership, I pray for the patience of those who may misunderstand, misinterpret, misread, or mishear.
I encourage you to give diligent heed to the words of inspiration and guidance found in the teachings of duly ordained ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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What will you do when the call of duty comes?
Will you be ready?
See also:
“Man Down!” by Henry B. Eyring
In the Path of Their Duty, by David A. Bednar
The Call of Duty, by Thomas S. Monson
Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women, by Russell M. Nelson
THE STRENUOUS LIFE - collection at bartleby.com