Anyway, there is a ton that can be (and has been) written about the cemetery and all the graves and all the death in the name of freedom and whatnot. Perhaps, after I make a return visit or two, I can reflect on those themes more fully. But I just want to talk about Mr (Dr?) Musmanno tonight.
As I walked amongst the never ending menagerie of grave-sites, this one stood out at me. In fact, it was the only picture I took all day. This guy lived a life, man. 3 wars, 16 books, 7 degrees, and so much more. Talk about living life to the fullest. You, sir, are my hero. I wonder what he was like. Was he married? Was he likeable? Friendly? What were his degrees in? I know I can google him and find out everything and more, but I am just waxing curious, you know? What a guy to be around. I wonder how many friends he had. How inferior they must have felt. Oh... I only have 2 degrees and only fought in 1 war...
Matching up to Michael would be impossible. I hope he was gracious and humble. What a way to live, though. I like how there's no birth and death date on the tomb. Its almost like it doesn't matter when he was born or when he died, what matters is what he did with the time in between. And it seems he did quite a lot. Good for you, man. Good for you. Way to live in the in between. I can only hope to live as fully.
But the fact of the matter is that even with multiple tours in multiple theaters, even with SEVEN degrees and 16 book deals. Even though he was a judge and everything else, Michael Musmanno still died. The truth is that the lowly gravestone down the road that said read "He loved his Savior, and his Savior loves him" speaks volumes louder than the laundry list of accomplishments that Michael racked up. There's no place that magnifies that reality louder than in a cemetery - especially one as beautiful and massive as Arlington. It doesn't matter how many stars he had on his uniform or how many people's lives he saved in battle- every one of those men and women died. And every one of them has to be held accountable for the sin they inherited from Adam. Methinks the Judge cares not about our valor, rather He cares about our Savior. Blessed are we beyond measure that His innocent blood covers my incredulous nature.
So, I strive to your greatness, Rear Admiral Musmanno. Truly. You have learned much, fought hard, and given more to this country than most ever will. I hope that all your learning and fighting didn't distract you from the one that fought to save you from sin, death, and the devil. I hope to have as many accolades as you- not so that I gain fame (ok... maybe a little fame...) but because it means that I spent my time on this earth well, that my life was fully lived. That would be pretty neat. But I hope that my grave-maker doesn't waste chisel-time on my accomplishments, but rather it lists Christ's who lives within me: He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Update:
I googled him, and found that the other side of his grave reads:
"There is an eternal justice and an eternal order, there is a wise, merciful and omnipotent God. My friends, have no fear of the night or death. It is the forerunner of dawn, a glowing resplendent dawn, whose iridescent rays will write across the pink sky in unmistakable language - man does live again.'
The final words of Michael A. Musmanno in his debate with Clarence Darrow, 1932."
Good for you, sir. It makes my heart glad to know that he knew his Savior.
