We're approaching the Memorial Day holiday, which traditionally has been viewed simply as a kick-off to the summer vacation season. Memorial Day is so much more than just a kick-off to summer.
This is a holiday which has its roots in the days following the Civil War and which began as a way to honor and remember those who had died in that war. In those days, it was known as Decoration Day. Although in recent years it has been observed much like other patriotic holidays (Independence Day and Veterans' Day) as a way to honor all the men and women who serve in our nation's military, I believe it is important to remember why we have this particular holiday.
This day is so much more than a day to honor the military, as important as that is. We have Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday in May) to honor those who are now serving in our nation's military. Sadly, unless you are part of a military family or you live in a community near a military base, you may not even be aware of this holiday. And we have Veterans' Day in November to honor all those who have served in our nation's military.
This holiday, Memorial Day, is a day set aside to remember those who have died in service to our country. To remember that freedom isn't free. To remember that all those who went off to war didn't come home. Memorial Day is a day to remember.
In places like Gettysburg and Vicksburg. At Bull Run and Bunker Hill. In faraway places like Normandy and Argonne. Korea and Vietnam. Baghdad and Mosul. Kabul and Kandahar. In all these places and many more, somebody died for you. Memorial Day is a day to remember that. Somebody died for you.
As you're celebrating Memorial Day with family and friends, let's remember.
This weekend, while you're enjoying your day off from work, or your day at the beach, or your barbecue, take time to remember.
Freedom isn't free.
Remember.
Somebody paid the ultimate price so you can enjoy all these things.
Remember.
Somebody died for you.
Remember.
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13 ESV)
This holiday, Memorial Day, is a day set aside to remember those who have died in service to our country. To remember that freedom isn't free. To remember that all those who went off to war didn't come home. Memorial Day is a day to remember.
In places like Gettysburg and Vicksburg. At Bull Run and Bunker Hill. In faraway places like Normandy and Argonne. Korea and Vietnam. Baghdad and Mosul. Kabul and Kandahar. In all these places and many more, somebody died for you. Memorial Day is a day to remember that. Somebody died for you.
As you're celebrating Memorial Day with family and friends, let's remember.
This weekend, while you're enjoying your day off from work, or your day at the beach, or your barbecue, take time to remember.
Freedom isn't free.
Remember.
Somebody paid the ultimate price so you can enjoy all these things.
Remember.
Somebody died for you.
Remember.
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13 ESV)
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