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The Last Shall Be First
By Doug Patton
November 16, 2004

"So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen." - Matthew 20:16

This passage of scripture came to mind on Veterans' Day, as the attention of the world was focused not on the service of those who have worn the uniform of the land of the free, but rather on the death of one of the world's most notorious terrorists, Yasser Arafat.

It was somewhat reminiscent of that first week of September 1997, when the death of a British princess in the back seat of an automobile in a Paris tunnel eclipsed the passing of one of the world's spiritual giants. Do you remember? As Diana-frenzy swept Europe and the United States, a frail, unassuming little nun in Calcutta quietly slipped from this earth after decades of service to humanity. The truth is that Mother Teresa probably would have wanted it that way. Having drawn very little deliberate attention to herself in life, it was somehow fitting that her passing would be overshadowed by the horrible death of one so glamorous. And the last shall be first.

Similarly, most veterans never asked for a great deal of praise for their sacrifice and their service. This was true of my father, who served in World War II, and of my grandfather, who served in World War I. Neither of them ever talked about their experiences. That's just the way it was. They endured the unthinkable so we, their heirs, would not have to. And the last shall be first.

Veterans' Day was originally an observance called Armistice Day, which commemorated the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. The World War II generation understood its significance, and observed it accordingly. In the years following our nation's humiliating retreat from Vietnam, far too few Americans even cared about Veterans' Day. In post-9/11 America, that sentiment has changed, and an increasing number of us are now much more appreciative of the sacrifice borne by those who have served in uniform.

One touching example was relayed by a caller to The Laura Ingraham Show last week. It seems that the listener had witnessed a small but significant incident in an auto repair facility somewhere in the heartland. A soldier, home on leave from Iraq, was there with his family picking up his car after a brake job. Another patron stepped forward and insisted on paying the bill as a "thank you" for the young man's service.

Even if that young serviceman returns home after his service, his name probably will never be known beyond his unit or his hometown. He is among "the last," as measured by this world. Yet, as scripture says, "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for a friend." And the last shall be first.

Conversely, the name of Yasser Arafat will be known in history books for many generations to come. He was famous. He was rich. Despite the blood on his hands and the ill-gotten millions in his bank account, he was adored by his people. Because the world was so desperate to see peace between Israel and the Palestinians for the last four decades, by the end of his thieving, murdering life, this man somehow managed to transform his image from one of terrorist to one of statesman. In his 75 years, he achieved a level of success envied by many and, in the process, became one of "the first."

Yet, what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? And make no mistake: Yasser Arafat sold his soul a long time ago, and he has just taken up residence in Hell, where he is waiting for his famous brethren, Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden, to join him.

The first shall indeed be last.

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Doug Patton is a freelance columnist who has served as a speechwriter, policy advisor and communications director for federal, state and local candidates, elected officials and public policy organizations. His weekly columns are published in newspapers across the country and on selected Internet websites. Readers can e-mail him at dpatton@neonramp.com.

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Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.