Memorial Day is a great American tradition. It’s also a time to reflect on what the holiday means. Every year, we look forward to the end of May. Some of us feel relief, others a wound-up sense of anxiety. The anxiety comes from questions facing us about the next three months, things concerning vacations, what do I wear when at the beach or pool. Who will watch the dog when we go away? Hopefully the questions on your mind are as mundane as these and can be cured with some grilled hotdogs and strawberry shortcake.But, for some, the memories are still raw. When life is good, we wrap ourselves up in it and so often forget the meaning of days like today. Like so many other holidays, the meaning of Memorial Day is often lost in the midst of celebration and relief at days off of work and school. What exactly are we celebrating? Today is the day we remember the fallen. We remember those who gave their lives fighting for a better tomorrow that they would never see.
So, this year, when your kids are excited about getting a day off of school, remind them what it is for. Remind them the reason they get a day off is because of those who sacrificed so they could be able to get an education because of the sacrifices made for each of us. Remind yourself. of the many incredible sacrifices involved in protecting our country with dignity and honor. It’s this sacrifice that allows us to feel good about being an American every day.
But as sobering as Memorial Day is, it’s also beautiful. This holiday spotlights true acts of courage when it mattered most. It urges us to consider the things worth dying for. It honors the patriots past and present who gave their lives in service of a greater, lasting cause. It’s as much about remembering our war dead as it is a lesson to the living about the high cost of freedom.
So, with the long weekend, enjoy the family time and ring in the start of summer. But also consider the sacrifice required to guarantee the freedom, security, prosperity, and peace that makes it possible. May this holiday be a time of reflection and appreciation. And may God bless America.
One thing you might think about is take a minute and read “In Flanders Field.
In Flanders Fields
BY JOHN MCCRAE
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
Memorial Day Prayer We remember, O Lord, all those men and women who have made the supreme sacrifice for our country. Do not let us breathe the air of freedom or claim the right to justice or enjoy the privilege of worship without remembering with great gratitude those who gave the last full measure of devotion – their very lives – for our benefit. May they now know the peace of eternity and the joy of your presence. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Reflections by Bob 