Our Lord Jesus spoke about the incredible value of sacrifice when he said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Today we observe Memorial Day. It is not a day of celebration but a day of somber remembrance of those who have paid the ultimate price of losing their lives while serving in the military.
In a recent Harris Poll only 55% of those surveyed correctly described Memorial Day as a day to honor the fallen from all the nation’s wars. About 27% thought Memorial Day honored all military veterans (that would be November 11 – and is called Veterans Day), 5% thought it honored those currently serving in the military (this is Armed Forces Day and is celebrated the third Saturday of May), and worst of all 3% thought the day marked the official beginning of summer.
I will admit I love summer with trips to the pool and vacations to the beach, but this unofficial start of summer would mean nothing without the freedom to enjoy it. And I am sure you understand the freedom we enjoy is not free. It has always been purchased for us by the sacrifices of the brave men and women who have lost their lives protecting freedom around the world!
For most of us we enjoy today as a holiday – a nice day off from work. Most pools will be opening, many will enjoy the first cookout of the season and just about every retailer will be having a Memorial Day sale. By all means enjoy these wonderful fruits of our freedoms! But also take a moment and remember the great sacrifice that was required to ensure this freedom. Take a moment and thank our God that we live in such a great country!!!
Here is a Memorial Day video with some comments from President Ronald Reagan to help you observe the day. May God continue to bless us and may we as people continually turn to Him as our only hope.