Wayne W. Livesay
June 16, 1922 – October 31, 2009
On this Veteran's Day, I honor my dad for his service to our country and for his service to our Lord.
My dad was not famous, but he did more for his country than most of us could ever imagine. He fought and bled for the freedom we all enjoy, even for the freedoms of those who today spit on the flag and make a mockery of the liberty we have in this country. His thirty-three missions in B-17 bombers were many beyond the average life-expectancy of bomber crews in World War 2. His nine months as a prisoner of war in Germany took a toll on his body that caused him to suffer until the end of his life.
In addition to his service to his country, he had a long life of service to the Lord, serving as a pastor and church planter, teaching adult Sunday school for many years, and presenting the gospel of Christ to unbelievers. His life’s verse was Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Your Dad was a good man, a great American, and a better Christian. And he was a master in the use of sarcasm. I was happy to have known him during his last few years.
ReplyDeleteThere should be a book about him.
ReplyDeletebuddeshepherd:
ReplyDeleteI have the makings of a book about my dad: many documents, etc., including some of his own writings about his experiences. Maybe when I retire, I will have time to put it all together. I plan to call the book "My Dad, A Real American Hero."
If you would like to read more, check it out on my blog at the following links:
http://buffalonoise.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-military-service-life-by-wayne.html
http://buffalonoise.blogspot.com/2009/05/my-moment-at-wall.html
http://buffalonoise.blogspot.com/2009/05/descent-into-captivity.html