As we approach the American Memorial Day holiday, we can remember those who fought in past wars to help preserve a free, democratic society.
When I was a loyal "kingdom preacher" for JW's, I used to place magazines with a World War 2 veteran named Jim. Jim stood tall and proud, with white hair and a white mustache. When I met him, he was in his 70's and was starting to yield to the frailties of old age.
For some reason, he would take the Watchtower and Awake magazines from me twice a month over a period of about 5 years before I moved away. He tried to see some good in the magazines and in the 'work' I was doing bringing the literature to people. He would try to say something nice about something he read in them.
Yet as a proud military veteran, he could never understand the antipathy that Jehovah's Witnesses had for the military. I sensed his unease about that, and knew he would never set foot in the Kingdom Hall.
I believe he put up with my visits to come sell him these magazines because he believed in the freedom of speech for which he fought in World War 2. Even though he didn't believe 99% of what was in the magazines, he would defend my right to believe them and to try to spread what I believed at the time.
Jim's life on earth has probably ended by now. Yet I can remember as clear as day his generous and tolerant spirit, the spirit of a true American patriot.
This Memorial day I salute all the Jims in the world who truly helped pave the way for continued freedom and democracy.
