Memorial Day, a time many believe is a day off, the ending of the school year, the start of vacations and the beginning of summertime.  It’s more than that.  It is a time to remember those men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.  Originally it was known as Decoration Day and became a federal holiday in 1971.

Many of you had loved ones who served in the military.  My youngest son retired at an early age from the United States Navy and is now an Electronics Instructor at Center for Surface Combat Systems.  He served in Afghanistan.  My father-in-law served in Paris, France in WW II and helped free the Jews from one of the concentration camps.

So while we enjoy the day, remember those who fought that you might have this day to celebrate freedom.  Without freedom we become slaves.

May we keep in remembrance the significance of this day and whom we are memorializing, lest we forget their sacrifices on the battlefield.

And there is One whose day we must place above this day.  Memorial Day for Him is the first day of the week or the Lord ’s Day.  He freely and with fervent love submitted to His Father and died so that all men everywhere might have the hope of eternal life.  This day is to be celebrated every first day of the week, lest we forget His sacrifice for us.
“And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat:  this is My body, which is broken for you:  this do in remembrance of Me.  After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, this is the New Testament in My blood:  this do ye, as oft as drink it, in remembrance of Me.”  (I Corinthians 11:24-25)

“The blessed nation is a godly nation; hence religion is indirectly a form of patriotism.  Some don’t see it this way, but civil lawmakers have thought that religion added stability and greatness to a nation, and for this reason have given it tax exempt status.

Religion has the leavening influence of diffusing truth, purity and virtue, which strengthen the nation.

The Bible teaches work, sacrifice, thrift and self-restraint, all of which are essential in lifting up a society.

Godliness is the guardian influence which has protected many from criminality.  It is the rescuing power which has broken crime’s grip on many others.

One thing history is sure of:

“Righteousness exalteth a nation:  but sin is a reproach to any people.”   (Proverbs 14:34)

National history is but the history of many individuals.  So after all is said and done, we determine the nation’s rise or fall.  Each day we furnish the material for the history books.”

~ Leroy Brownlow

“Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you.  Jesus Christ and the American soldier.  One died for your soul.  The other died for your freedom.”     ~ Unknown44

 Eileen Light