Memorial Day Meaning

Today is Memorial Day. Americans have been celebrating this day long enough that we should know it’s meaning by now. The fourth Monday in May is supposed to be a day when we remember and honor those who died at war, fighting for our country. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. By the early 20th century, the last Monday in May had become an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as people visited the graves of their deceased relatives in church cemeteries. More recently the American flag is annually raised to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon. At noon their memory is raised by the living, who resolves not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to continue the fight for liberty and justice for all. Sadly, Memorial Day now looks more like a day to party hearty, eat hot dogs at a ball game or bar B.Q.in a back yard, lift a drink or two, watch a race on TV, and end the day with fireworks. So let’s remind ourselves why our federal government gives us a long weekend. It is because men and women laid down their lives for us in the midst of a battle over freedom. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Join me this week in remembering the following global concerns:
• Pray for those who proudly defend freedom around the world.
• Pray for faithful Chaplains who minister to troops serving a long way from home and family.
• Pray for collegiate summer missionaries who are beginning to arrive on their summer fields of service.