Current Lessons
Lesson No. Thirty One

Things that Really Matter After Eighty Years of Life

The message and symbolism of my military coin – There is a long-standing tradition for general officers to give a personal coin to people who make important contributions to the success of the mission.  After my retirement from the United States Air Force I have continued this tradition by occasionally giving this coin to people who make a difference for good in my life.

My 80th birthday was on October 28, 2023, and as I reflected on my life realized that what really matters to me is represented by the message and symbolism found on this coin.

The Seal of the United States symbolizes important aspects of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Strength – The eagle was chosen by our Founders as our national symbol.  It represents strength, determination, and purpose.  Washington believed that righteousness, he used the word virtue, brings strength.  I agree.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches that with the strength of the Lord we can do all things.  (See Alma 20:4; 26:12)  His Gospel also teaches:  “It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means.  This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts” (LDS Bible Dictionary, Grace, Emphasis added).    

Preparation – The importance of peace is depicted by the eagle with an olive branch in its right talon. The eagle faces to the right or to the olive branch showing that we should always first look and work for peace.  However, our need to be prepared for war is symbolized by the arrows in the eagle’s left talon.  The Founders believed that the best way to secure peace is to be prepared for war.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the gospel of peace.  Satan would destroy our peace, and that the only way we can with stand his attacks is by our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.  The importance of spiritual and temporal preparation in our day is plainly taught in the Book of Mormon.  (See for example Alma 48)

Unity and Oneness – In its beak the eagle has a banner upon which is written the Latin phrase E Pluribus Unum which means “Out of many, one.”  The Founders understood that our nation would be a melting pot with much diversity.  However, they had the wisdom to emphasize unity over diversity.  Unity is what gives strength to society whether it is in the family, the neighborhood, the community, the state or the nation.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches the importance of unity and oneness.  “I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine” (D&C 38:27; see also 3 Nephi 11:27-41).

This coin describes the flag of the United States as “Our Title of Liberty” – This is because it represents to me the same ideals the title of liberty did to the Nephites.  These ideals include:    

God, Family, and Freedom –The words “In memory [the importance] of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children” (see Alma 46:12)  were written on the title of liberty and are etched around the outside perimeter of the coin. These words speak of truths that are dearer than life itself.  These things must be defended at all costs.      

Protection – Ours is “a land which is choice above all other lands” (2 Nephi 1:5).  The Lord has promised us protection and “freedom from bondage, and captivity…if we will but serve the God of the Land, who is Jesus Christ” (Ether 2:12).

Prosperity – In the Book of Mormon the Lord repeatedly promises:  “In as much as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land” (2 Nephi 1:20; see also Mosiah 2:22; Alma 36:1; 38:1; 48:25).  Keeping commandments brings blessings “both temporal and spiritual” (Mosiah 2:41).
    

A man of God – Momon wrote of captain Moroni:  “And Moroni was a strong and mighty man; he was a man of perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;

“Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for  the welfare and safety of his people. 

“Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ…

“Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah, yea, and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God” (Alma 48:11-12, 13, 17-18, emphasis added)  Our great desire should be to be included in this list as a man or a woman of God.