As we enjoy a long weekend that traditionally begins the Summer, let us pause and remember the reasons Memorial Day was founded. Memorial Day began shortly after the Civil War and was known as Decoration Day. The day was celebrated by decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, flags, and prayer.
Since 1971, the holiday has been known as Memorial Day and moved to the last Monday in May to give Americans a three-day weekend. Americans honor the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of their fellow Americans. The Bible has several verses that echo the appreciation of this amazing sacrifice. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for all of humanity and stated in John 15:13 that, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” The American Soldier stands ready to make this sacrifice for our country so that we enjoy the blessings of Liberty.
Jesus sacrificed his life to make a way for every human to enjoy the blessings of a relationship with Father God. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Take some time this three-day holiday weekend to thank God for Jesus and the American Soldier; Jesus paid the price for our peace with God and the American Soldier paid the price for the freedom for Americans to live in peace. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27) Dwell in God’s great peace and pray for the families of our soldiers who gave their lives to secure our freedom.
