Remembering Their Service

                                          

Chuckle: Child's prayer: "Dear God, I'm an American. What are you?" Robert."

Ponder This: "It is . . . for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." --From Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

MEMORIAL DAY: A TIME TO REMEMBER

"Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and import duties, and give respect and honor to all to whom it is due" (Romans 13:7 NLT).

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the Nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. In 1966, our Federal Government recognized Waterloo, New York as the official birthplace of Memorial Day on May 5, 1866. After World War I, the day became a time to honor all those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May each year.

This Memorial Day holiday weekend reminds us to give thanks and honor to those men and women in uniform, who gave their lives to give us the life of freedom we now enjoy. We honor them and hold their personal sacrifices in highest esteem. It is important that we remember, and teach our children that the freedoms we enjoy come at a terrible price. "freedom isn't free!"
"All of us lead busy lives. We have little time to pause and reflect. But I ask you: Do not hasten through Memorial Day. Take time to remember the good souls whose memories are a blessing to you and your family. Take your children to memorial parks and monuments. Teach them the values that lend meaning to our lives and to the life of our nation. Above all, take the time to honor our fellow Americans who have given their last full measure of devotion to our country and for the freedoms we cherish." --Colin Powell

We usually wait until someone is gone to give them the honor that is due them. Then it's too late for them to know our appreciation for their sacrifice. We should be faithful to pray for those who are now serving and defending our country and protecting us here at home. Also, please pray for their families as their loved ones valiantly serve far from home, and for those whose loved ones have died in service to our country. They deserve recognition and honor for the price they have paid on our behalf.

While we are having fun enjoying the long holiday weekend, let's take time to thank God for our freedoms and reflect on the sacrifices of others that have made such freedoms possible. The sacrifices of others, should serve as examples for us and cause us to ponder, with renewed seriousness, ways we can serve our country that will help preserve this great republic and its freedoms we hold dear. ". . ., and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17 NLT).

 

Love, Jerry & Dotse