As we all know, Memorial Day is Monday. In part, this means summer is about to make its official arrival. Most importantly it is a time to honor those who have gone before us. Memorial Day originally started after the Civil War when communities across the country began holding ceremonies to honor fallen soldiers.  In 1868, General John A. Logan, the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic declared May 30^th as Decoration Day which was a time to decorate the graves of those who died in the war. Through the years, the day has morphed into a day to not only celebrate fallen soldiers, but everyone who has passed before us.

As a child, I remember taking part in the poppy poster and essay writing contests for Memorial Day. My mother often volunteered my brothers and I to sing and read poems or stories for the annual Memorial Day services at the American Legion Hall honoring the brave men and women who have served in the military and sacrificed their lives for our freedom. The rest of the day was spend decorating the graves of our loved ones and picnicking with our family. For the most part, people today are still doing the same type of things, although I think there might be more emphasis on the relaxing and picnicking with family and friends than on paying homage to our fallen armed forces heroes.

Many men and women had served in the military seeking to defend our freedoms.  Far too many gave their all and did not return to their home shore alive. We know many veterans who have served us both in battles and in spiritual ways.  While all military forces defend our rights with the latest military gear and techniques, spiritual veterans fight for us in the holy realm.  They know the soldiers’ struggles are not just flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness and forces of evil in the secular world. They also know the struggle with mental and emotional battles stemming from what soldiers might have encountered as they protect our freedoms.

Memorial Day is a day to honor all who have gone before us, but it is also a special day to give thanks to God for all these brave men and women who sacrificed their lives so we can remain living under the freedoms many of us take for granted. The same can be said for God’s unconditional love through the sacrifice of his Son Jesus. We may take that for granted too, but Jesus’s sacrifice to save us from our sins provides for the opportunity to live in His everlasting kingdom forever. Let’s serve him in thankfulness.

On this Memorial Day and every day, let’s give thanks to God for His unconditional love for us every day in every way, for those military persons for their dedication and sacrifice and for loved ones who have gone before. I hope we are grateful for all of them.  Thanks be to God!

Patty