MONDAY May 27, 2019
Memorial Day
How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle!
2 Samuel 1:25
Historically, in 1868, Memorial Day was first called Decorations Day. It was a day to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. In the Arlington National Cemetery, at least 5,000 people gathered at the grave site of over 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers. They respectfully decorated each grave. Later the day was changed and called Memorial Day. It became a day to honor all of our men and women who died in war.
Memorial Day became an official holiday in 1971, it was traditionally observed on May 30, but now it is on the last Monday in May making the observance a three-day weekend. Most people appreciate an extra day off from work and cherish the quality family time. This day is also seen to mark the beginning of summer. Many families congregate together to barbeque, picnic and enjoy the parades or watching sports.
However, we should never forget the freedoms we enjoy are a direct result of the unselfish sacrifices of those men and women who willingly died while serving their country. Many husbands, wives and close relatives will mourn as they visit the cemeteries or memorials to lay flowers at their loved one’s grave site. Customarily, but often forgotten, is the pause for silence at 3:00pm in the afternoon to remember the fallen.
As a nation we should stop in silence to not only remember these fallen heroes, but to pray for their families. Our children should be taught the value of honoring those who have died. In gratitude our homes should proudly show the American flag. A missed loved one will always be remembered not only on this day but on each and every day to come.
How the mighty have fallen,
And the weapons of war perished!”
~2 Samuel 1:27~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!