Memorial Day

Memorial Day means different things to different people. It usually falls around the time of graduation and the ending of school. For some it is the beginning of summer. Picnics, BBQ, family reunions, and sporting events are all associated with Memorial Day. For some it is simply a welcomed day off from work. For others Memorial Day is a sacred time. Memorial Day is a United States Federal Holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates United States men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. The following words are from Twila Paris:

He was twenty-one in 1944

He was hope and he was courage on a lonely shore

Sent there by a mother with love beyond her tears

Just a young American who chose to rise above his fears

And as I watch him struggle up that hill

Without a thought of turning back

I cannot help but wonder

What did he die for?

He died for you and me

To the darkest day in A.D. 33

Came the mercy and compassion of eternity

Sent there by a Father with love beyond His tears

Blameless One, the only Son

to bear the guilt of all these years

And as I watch Him struggle up that hill

Without a thought of turning back

I cannot help but wonder

What did he die for?

He died for you and me

As Americans we are blessed with political, economic, and religious freedom as no other group of people in the history of the world have ever been blessed before. This did not come without a high price. Many people who are reading this have known somebody who has lost their lives defending the things that make the United States so great. As Christians we are blessed with spiritual freedom. Things like hope, forgiveness, and grace give us both an abundant and eternal life. This did not come without a high price. Jesus lost his life so we can experience a full life that will last forever.

The best is yet to come…

Craig