Memorial Day
“Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of former Union soldiers and sailors - the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) - established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared it should be May 30. The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day. The Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities. It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971 Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, and designated as the last Monday in May.” (“The History and Origin of Memorial Day,” taken from http://genealogy.about.com/library/blmemday.htm.)
On this Memorial Day we will again pause to remember those that have paid the ultimate price in combat. This Memorial Day is made more special by the remembrances of those men and women who fought and died in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This Memorial Day I will also remember the gravesite of my Dad – a World War II veteran. I will remember the gravesite of my high school friend – who lost his life in Vietnam. I will also remember the gravesite of all my family members who have served their country and have been called home to heaven.
This Memorial Day I will remember those who have fought in another war – a continuing war – a never-ending war. That war is the war we Christians fight daily – the war against Satan. We strive daily against Satan and his allies – our sin-filled flesh, temptation and the world. I will remember those who have daily fought and have won eternal life in Heaven – not because of their might – but because of the power given them through the Holy Spirit.
As we remember those who have gone before us, let us resolve to continue to fight our daily fight – strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Let us who are older continue to be the strong examples for our younger brothers and sisters in Christ. Let those of us who are parents remain strong examples for our children.
Prayer – Thank you God for the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen
By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day. The Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities. It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971 Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, and designated as the last Monday in May.” (“The History and Origin of Memorial Day,” taken from http://genealogy.about.com/library/blmemday.htm.)
On this Memorial Day we will again pause to remember those that have paid the ultimate price in combat. This Memorial Day is made more special by the remembrances of those men and women who fought and died in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This Memorial Day I will also remember the gravesite of my Dad – a World War II veteran. I will remember the gravesite of my high school friend – who lost his life in Vietnam. I will also remember the gravesite of all my family members who have served their country and have been called home to heaven.
This Memorial Day I will remember those who have fought in another war – a continuing war – a never-ending war. That war is the war we Christians fight daily – the war against Satan. We strive daily against Satan and his allies – our sin-filled flesh, temptation and the world. I will remember those who have daily fought and have won eternal life in Heaven – not because of their might – but because of the power given them through the Holy Spirit.
As we remember those who have gone before us, let us resolve to continue to fight our daily fight – strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Let us who are older continue to be the strong examples for our younger brothers and sisters in Christ. Let those of us who are parents remain strong examples for our children.
Prayer – Thank you God for the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen