Recognizing a fallen hero

Dear Editor,

A number of people gave some. However, some gave all.

The Memorial Day memories touch my heart, when the dedicated men and women serving in the armed forces get recognition. That’s never adequate considering how we get protection for our country.

The hero I wish to recognize is Sgt. Jerry H. Williams — a Pickens native, and son of Hiott and Verna Williams. Jerry died on the battlefield in Vietnam June 24, 1966.

He had a wife, Irmgard, and children, Michael, David, and Sandy, who were deprived of companionship with Jerry. Their ages were 6, 4 and 1. The cost being so great it cannot be counted. He is remembered daily by family members, sister Margaret and brother Wallace.

The years have passed, now being the 50th anniversary of Jerry’s death. Let us never forget all who served.

Margaret W. Cassell

Pickens

Well, I never

Dear Editor,

Well, I never. We won’t be able to come out of church on Sunday without sitting beside a drinker in a restaurant.

We shouldn’t be able to come out of church and go to a restaurant. We are remembering the Sabbath to be somewhat holy.

And Larry, it’s God. The man upstairs is named God.

Chris Nicholson

Easley

What next, America?

Dear Editor,

Now that we have our presidential candidates for the upcoming election, what do we hope for? A few months ago I wrote a letter about hope. The question is still there.

Regardless of who our next president is, will it change anything? I fear and am assured it will not, due to the sinful nature we have become. We just experienced the tragedy in Orlando and will experience more of that type of violence in our nation.

We have left our first love and are doing that which pleases each of us, just as the holy scriptures have predicted. We will return to worshipping God and serving him, or we will continue to reject that which God has commanded.

God established laws and covenants with his chosen people. In Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26, God tells of the blessings we will receive if we are obedient and also of the curses which will be upon us for our disobedience.

Look at what is happening in our nation. Our forefathers founded this nation using Judeo-Christian values and through prayer to the God in heaven who created all things for his purpose and good pleasure.

He stated that everything was good. He created man in his own image, which is spiritual. He gave man certain commandments and laws. He also gave man the ability to choose right from wrong. His commandment about eating fruit from one tree in the Garden of Eden man disobeyed, and sin entered into the world. As a result, each of us is conceived in sin.

Man’s sin thus required a sacrifice for our sin. This sacrifice was to be a blood sacrifice. In the Old Testament, this was the killing of animals, which was repeated over and over. When Jesus Christ came (the one and only son of God) the ultimate sacrifice, shed his blood on the cross of Calvary, the sin debt was paid for eternity. Each of us has to choose to accept or reject this atonement.

Those who repent of their sins and ask for forgiveness become the children of God. Those who do not repent and receive this forgiveness are still the children or servants of the devil. Which condition are you?

In Joshua 24:15, Joshua told the children of Israel: “Choose you this day whom you will serve.” He then stated: “but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” This is what I have chosen. I pray that you, too, have made that decision.

Max Wilson

Pickens