A World War II veteran reflects on his experiences from the Battle of the Bulge, grappling with enduring memories of devastation. Upon revisiting the battlefields decades later, he is surprised by the gratitude he receives from the local residents, leading him to understand the transformative nature of his actions. This story serves as a reminder to honor veterans and recognize that brokenness can be the catalyst for renewal and healing.

1. Lessons From A Veteran
From the Battle of the Bulge…

2. A WWII Battle of the Bulge Veteran.
A man who typically accepted whatever life
handed him and moved on…
Found that the memories of the
brokenness & devastation from that battle
left a shadow of questions that haunted
him.

3. For years he did his best to cope, while
raising a large family, and tending to a
farm.
When his youngest grandchildren started
asking about the war he found some
healing by sharing stories with family and
fellow veterans.
However, the questions themselves
remained…

4. 60 years after the battle he accompanied a
number of veterans back to those
battlefields.
Considering the devastation of the homes,
the cities and the lives that were directly
impacted he was not sure what kind of a
welcome they would receive.
Much to his surprise, everywhere they
went they treated as heroes!

5. On one particular day he was given the
opportunity to choose a destination on his
own, and was accompanied by only a guide,
an interpreter, and his son.

6. Everywhere they went that day, that man
was received with the same appreciation
and honor that the group had been
receiving.
City Officials came out to meet
him, applaud him and shake his hand. Bed-
ridden grandparents sent their
grandchildren out to thank him.

7. The veteran was shocked by the reactions
he was getting and finally voiced his
thoughts…
“How can you be so grateful when we left
your homes, cities & country in such
devastation?”

8. The guide was a Belgium citizen that had
became a political prisoner when the Nazi’s
invaded and spent time in a concentration
camp.
His simple response was delivered with a
spirit of gratitude and understanding…

9. “You can’t have an omelet,
without first breaking the eggs.”

10. When the light of that truth met the
darkness in that man’s memories, he
began to realize that the destruction he
thought he was a part of, was the catalyst
for hope, freedom & healing to begin.
That man was my Grandfather.

11. This week we honor our veterans, many of
whom have experienced significant
brokenness for our freedom.
Over the next few weeks we move into a
busy holiday season that frequently
amplifies the pain of those that are feeling
broken.

12. Look for them in your workplaces, your
communities and in your families.
• Engage with them.
• Listen to them.
• Love them.
• And remind them:
Brokenness is a catalyst
for something new and something whole.

13. Additional Resources:
• “Visions make leaders passionate, thorns keep them
authentic.” John Maxwell
• Everything has a season. A time to break down, and a
time to build up. Eccl 3:3
• Healing Begins by Tenth Avenue North
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