First Christian Church

On this week as we remember so many servicemen and women, as we recall their sacrifices through the years on Veterans’ Day…. As the grief of the tragedy at Fort Hood is still raw… my heart is saddened just remembering one Marine in particular.

The Rev. Clayton Jackson passed away last Sunday.  Clayton served in the United States Marine Corps during difficult, dark days.  He carried wounded soldiers from the front lines to safety.  Though he didn’t talk a lot about The War, even decades later, there were times that the battlefront haunted his dreams.  I knew Clayton during the last decade of his life, as a retired Disciples of Christ pastor.  He was in worship every Sunday, sitting on the front pew, ready to hear God’s Word.  His years of service to the church included shepherding Disciples congregations in Oregon and Illinois.  One time when I visited Clayton in the ICU, his wife told me of a young nurse who learned a painful lesson.  She had been specifically warned not to “sneak up” on Clayton while he was sleeping, but, not knowing better, she had slipped into his room to change a dressing.  She thought that the weak-looking old man in the hospital bed, breathing on oxygen, recovering from surgery surely wouldn’t notice her at his bed-side, but lightening-fast reflexes and a surprisingly strong grip taught her otherwise.  It took a moment for the Marine instincts to subside as the gentle Christian pastor came fully awake and released a young R.N. from what could have become a death grip.

Last Saturday was the annual Marine Corps Ball.  Clayton had purchased tickets and planned to take his wife May as he did every year.  He was more distraught that the tickets would go unused than he was upset at being in the hospital again.  So, Saturday night, his son dressed in his best attire to accompany May to the Ball, and then son and wife stood at Clayton’s bedside, showing him their dress clothes and talking about the dance they’d shared in his honor.  With his wife lovingly stroking his forehead and children and grandchildren present to offer assurances of love, Clayton Jackson headed off to heaven.

The motto of the Marines, “Semper Fi” comes from the Latin “semper fidelis” meaning “always faithful.”  Rev. Jackson was indeed ALWAYS faithful to God, his family, his church and his country.  Today, 10 November, is the birthday of the U.S. Marines, honored every year at their annual formal ball.  I can think of no better way to mark this day in my heart, or to observe Veterans’ Day tomorrow, than by remembering Clayton who taught me what it means to be a warrior in God’s fight for souls.  Rest in Peace Clayton.  Semper Fi!