“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” – Exodus 20:12
According to history.com, Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day because of the flowers that were placed on the graves of the fallen, it originated in the years following the Civil War, but it wasn’t until 1971 that it became an official federal holiday. Throughout the years, America has been involved in numerous wars and conflicts where her men and women in uniform bravely defended her and the cause for freedom even when they knew there was the overwhelming possibility that they would never return home. They did so because they knew their cause was just and worth fighting for. Some were ours fathers; some were our mothers, and we honor them today for their ultimate sacrifice.
Many of the battlefields are well known, while others are rarely mentioned. Many of those who died are buried in cemeteries in our nation and around the world, but there are many whose names and final resting places are known only by God. Today we honor them all in our hearts, and throughout America, the flag of our country is proudly displayed in memory of those who gave all fighting for our freedoms.
Long ago, another man laid down his life so that we could have freedom from a different type of bondage. He left his home in heaven knowing his fate would be an old rugged cross. He chose to sacrifice himself so that we could live. In doing so, he became the Saviour of the world, and today, Christians around the world celebrate their freedom from sin because of what he accomplished for us. Although the exact location of his grave is not known, there are two things we do know. First, wherever his grave is, it is empty. Second, his name is Jesus, and He is the Son of God.
On this Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who gallantly fought for us, sacrificing themselves so the light of freedom would continue to burn brightly in our land. Let us also remember the One who also sacrificed Himself to give us eternal life, the Light of the world who continues to shine brightly in our hearts.
Our fathers’ God to Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright,
With freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God our King.
(from “America” by Samuel Francis Smith)
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16
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May God always bless our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen through times of war and times of peace.
We are so blessed to have freedom in America, and I am thankful for those who have fought and paid the price for our freedom. And yes, it is so wonderful to know the liberty of sins forgiven because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!