Celebrating our Freedom – Happy Memorial Day!

Our Memorial Day weekend has been consumed with graduation activities, and that means the end of a school year and the beginning of a summer of FREEDOM.

Freedom is a word thrown around that means WE WANT OUR RIGHTS and OUR FREEDOM to live like we want to live; FREEDOM to know we are safe and comfortable and FREE!

BUT, remembering what Memorial Day really stands for is what should get first place billing. This day (and weekend) should resonate FREEDOM because we get to acknowledge the men and women who gave their lives for that freedom.

I think it was a “God” thing when I turned on my TV last night and on the PBS station was the National Memorial Day Concert which honors our country’s veterans, servicemen and women and military families. The concert unites the country in remembrance and appreciation of those who gave their lives for our nation and serves those who are grieving. Over one million have given their lives for our freedom.

Watching the PBS concert brought home the reality of the price that our service men and women paid for our liberty and freedom. I was touched as I heard the families of fallen soldiers share how their dad or son or daughter paid the ultimate price for us.

Mr. Google informed me that this day began after the United States fought twelve major wars and numerous smaller skirmishes in its history. Memorial Day was established to honor those who did not return home. Memorial Day was named after World War I, and its purpose was to honor all Americans who died fighting the nation’s wars. Since 1971, Memorial Day has been celebrated on the last Monday in May. You’re welcome!

President George W. Bush, on May 26th, 2003 said, “Although the burden of grief cannot be easily done away with and the sadness over an unfinished life easily laid aside, it must be understood that completeness of a life is not measured in length only. It is measured in the deeds and commitments that give a life its purpose. And the commitment of these lives was clear to all. They defended our nation, they liberated the oppressed, they served the cause of peace. All Americans who have known the loss and sadness of war, whether recently or long ago, can know this: The person they love and miss is honored and remembered by the United States of America.”

I am especially thankful my heart strings were tugged as I saw many families of the fallen on this PBS concert. And for those reading this blog today, I pray you feel the all-encompassing arms of Jesus around you on this Memorial Day and always. May you rest in the heart of God, a heart that knows the ache of loss Himself. He longs to comfort you and love you.

With tender hearts, we stand with the families and loved ones by singing: “I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free, and I WON’T FORGET the men (and women) who died, who gave that right to me! And, I’ll proudly stand up, next to you and defend her still today, ‘cause there ain’t no doubt, I love this land. God bless the U.S.A.!”