Memorial Day is a day to remember. Think about those men and women that died in battle for us, defending this great nation of ours. Don’t stop with them, think about their families that lost a beloved member. When a loved one dies a family is deeply, eternally hurt. Maybe we did not know any of these fallen soldiers, but they fought for us. They fought for America. Never let them be forgotten.
How much do you know about Memorial Day? The real reason we have it and not the fun picnics, races, or stuff? Any idea why we celebrate it when we do? Let me tell you what I found when I searched.
The first Memorial Day was May 30, 1868. This was a day for people to remember those soldiers that died and decorate graves of Civil War soldiers. Originally it was known as Decoration Day. Unfortunately, grievously the United States lost many men during that horrific war against itself. Approximately 620,000 died during the Civil War. That is a staggering number. Think about that, 620,000.
May 30th was chosen because no Civil War battles were fought that day and flowers across the nation would be in full bloom to decorate the graves. It remained then until 1971. Then it became a federal holiday known as Memorial Day and was changed to the last Monday of May so the nation could celebrate with a three day weekend. That allowed for traveling to cemeteries farther away.
In honor of those who died, the American flag should be hung at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day. It should then be raised to the top. Since 2000, all Americans have been encouraged to stop for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. I would encourage a prayer for our nation and those that have lost soldiers.
Red poppies are a symbol of remembrance for those who died in war. People, men and women, wear them to honor those who died in war. Especially on Memorial Day you will see a lot of red poppies. Scouts usually place flags on the graves in the National Cemetery.
On this Memorial Day, I urge you to think about your life, your freedom, and how you are privileged to live free because of the brave soldiers that fought and lost their lives to provide us with that freedom. Without those that unselfishly gave their lives defending our country, our freedom, and us, what would our lives be? Very different indeed. So different I shudder thinking about it.
Memorial Day is a time to remember those that gave all for our country, for us. It is our responsible to take care of what and who was entrusted to us and honor our military and especially God. We need to keep remembering and pass those memories on to teach our children. Children need to learn about our holidays… that they are more than a day off and that our country and freedom were paid for with the blood of brave men and women. There is a price for freedom.
We live in a great country with strong roots. Many people have fought and died for this land of ours. Let us always remember the brave soldiers. Those that stood and stand between us and the enemy. Pray for them, our leaders, and our country. May God continue to bless America.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” Proverbs 14:34 NIV
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