Utter Disregard

George Ham Cannon Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: S November 1915, Webster Groves, Mo. Entered service at: Michigan. Citation: For distinguished conduct in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage and disregard of his own condition during the bombardment of Sand Island, Midway Islands, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. 1st Lt. Cannon, Battery Commander of Battery H, 6th Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, U.S. Marine Corps, was at his command post when he was mortally wounded by enemy shellfire. He refused to be evacuated from his post until after his men who had been wounded by the same shell were evacuated, and directed the reorganization of his command post until forcibly removed. As a result of his utter disregard of his own condition he died from loss of blood. (www.medalofhonor.com/GeorgeCannon.htm)

On December 7, 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt described the unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor, by the Empire of Japan, as a "date which will live in infamy." This phrase, given in a speech by the President, came only hours after the attack and the day before the United States officially declared war on Japan. There are many military veterans and citizens who will never forget these words. But, how many people know the name of George Ham Cannon? I admit, I had never heard of him before. But remembering that tomorrow, December 7, marks the 67th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the entrance of the United States into World War 2, I thought it fitting to remember those forgotten heroes that made my freedom possible. I am often amazed at the willingness of those in combat who, as the citation of 1st Lt. Cannon states, show "utter disregard" for their life in order to ensure those around him are saved. Many people, like myself, like to think that we would display the same sort of courage in a similar situation. But, most of us don't know how we would respond until the moment happens. My heart and admiration goes out to all those men and women throughout the 232 year history of the United States, who gave their lives to establish and preserve the freedom we cherish.

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:1-8

The exploits of 1st Lt. Cannon are a small, but powerful, reminder of what true love is. True love is embodied by sacrifice. No doubt Cannon loved his fellow military companions. They shared the same ideals of love for country and uniqueness of purpose to defend it against all invaders. When they were faced with the threat of the invading Japanese military, Cannon considered others better than himself. Despite being mortally wounded, facing certain death, he had the interest of others in mind rather than his own. In a sense, he made himself nothing and his mates everything. He was obedient until death so that his friends, companions and country would be free. We see the ultimate sacrifice in the Person of Jesus Christ. Being God, He humbled Himself by becoming a man. Scripture equates it with becoming nothing. This is a perfect example of just how unlike God mankind is. In other words, God is everything and we are nothing. That should humble everybody into realizing just how thankful we should be for what Jesus did on our behalf. Jesus showed "utter disregard" for Himself as He headed for the cross to take our sins away.

"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:31-36

I have heard it said that the truth is anything that corresponds to reality. If we use that definition, we can describe why Jesus is the truth. The truth is that all mankind is dead in sin when they come into this world and Jesus is the only man who had a life to give to pay for our sins. And raised from the dead, He was able to offer His life to all who accept Him by faith. That is the truth. It is the ultimate act of love to give your life for those you love. We see that in the form of our military heroes, like 1st Lt. Cannon, who have given their lives in defense of this country from the Revolutionary War, through World War 2 and all the way to the current War on Terror. Tomorrow I will fly the American Flag in honor of our country's fallen heroes who have sacrificed their lives so that I may live free in the greatest country God has given mankind. It is a small way to say thank you and show my appreciation. I will also be reminded that I should be thankful everyday, not only for the freedom they have provided, but for the freedom I have in Christ and He has provided through His death, burial and resurrection. And just like I have told you about the heroic sacrifice of George Ham Cannon on December 7, 1941, I encourage all believers to tell as many people as possible about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ!