Memorial Day

Next Monday is Memorial Day.  When I was younger, Memorial Day represented the opening of King season on the Anchor River. As I grew older, I began to understand that there was a little more to it than that. I've met a lot of people who simply view it as a great day to barbeque, or head to the lake, or get the spring cleaning done. So what is Memorial Day. What does it represent?

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. (Memorial Day History, http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html)  For a much more detailed history, be sure and check out the link.

You may have seen the following as it made the rounds in cyber space, but it is worth reading again:

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

Now, as a member of the Armed Services of our country, I understand the need for a day of remembrance so clearly. I have personally seen the sacrifice. We need to honor and respect those who have made this ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms and liberties which we enjoy in this country. I understand that their are many conflicting emotions when it comes to some of the wars and conflicts in which these men and women gave their lives. No matter how you feel about present or past conflicts, it should not take away from the honor due the dead. 

There is a saying, "All gave Some, Some gave All." Memorial Day is a day to remember those who gave their all. Jesus said in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." On Memorial Day, we need to remember and appreciate those who lay down their lives, not just for their friends, but for each and every one of the citizens of this country.

We also are reminded of another Sacrifice, that of the Lamb of God for the world. Jesus didn't just lay down his life for his friends, or his countrymen, but for every human being who ever has or ever will walk the face of this earth. It has taken the death of thousands to give us the freedoms we enjoy in this country,  but His blood was so powerful that it took only the death of one to give us spiritual freedom. Memorial Day for that sacrifice comes not once a year, but each first day of the week. Before you recognize Memorial Day on Monday the 31st of May, recognize Memorial Day on Sunday.