More than a long weekend

For too many Americans, the Memorial Day holiday symbolizes little more than the unofficial start of summer. Most schools are out and high school graduation ceremonies have concluded. Swimming pools open, and droves of people flock to our nation’s beaches. Backyard grills will sizzle with the sound and smell of hamburgers and hotdogs. However, not nearly enough thought is given to the sacrifices that have made all this possible.

Yet, for those who have served, or have loved ones in harm’s way even now, this weekend is much more than a holiday. In particular, for the grieving families of our fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines; Memorial Day is about far more than BBQs and three-day weekends. It is a day to pay homage to the more than ONE MILLION men and women in uniform who have paid the ultimate price for freedom.

Memorial Day is a day to honor our nation’s heroes.

We need annual reminders, just like this holiday, to remind us the sacrifice of so many. A sacrifice that allows us to live our lives the way we choose, here in the greatest nation on earth. So readily do we forget about the high cost of freedom. Seemingly, the younger generation alive today, (who have experienced so little of wartime worries), are more prone to undervalue our liberties than any generation before.

So, on this Memorial Day weekend, take a few minutes to pay respect to those who have died for this country. Stop for a few moments to teach your children and grandchildren what it cost for us to be able to enjoy the abundant freedoms we experience. Pause and give due regard to those who have given what Lincoln called the “last full measure of devotion.” It is good, biblical even, to give honor to whom honor is due and tribute to whom tribute (Romans 13:7).

We must remind ourselves, and our young people, that those who have died to make us free are national treasures that must be held in high esteem. These men and women (many of whom were no more than teenagers themselves) have sacrificed more than we will ever know so that we can enjoy the vast privileges of citizenship in this nation. While it is proper for us to enjoy our time with family, it would serve us well to remember that there are thousands of families whose holiday will serve as a bitter reminder of their lost loved one.

Since the global war on terror began, there have been over 7,000 U.S. military deaths. For them, this weekend will be filled with mixed emotions. These families must feel a sense of national pride mingled with personal sorrow. Readers, far too many spouses have been given a folded flag to hold, rather than a loved one. Far too many parents have stood by the graveside of their child who has fought and died many miles from home. There are tens of thousands of children today, who are growing up without their father or mother, because of a forgotten war on Terror.

The men and women that we honor this Memorial Day, are a great example of what Jesus meant, when He said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Freedom is not free, and these are not merely words without meaning. There is no greater love that can be displayed than to give your life for those you love.

Let me remind you, this was not just some random statement made by the Lord Christ but was actually a prophetic mention of His intentions. God created this world in innocence, but sin entered, and ever since … death, disease and war has followed. Jesus came to this earth with the divine intention to free fallen men from the bonds of sin and depravity. In order to do so, a high price must be paid for our freedom; even His own life. As Jesus hung on a Roman cross and paid the sin debt of all who would ever trust in Him, He was showing His matchless love by purchasing the freedom sinners do not deserve, and often take for granted. He died, was buried and rose again so that all who trust in Him can freely enjoy the wonders of heaven forever.

On this Memorial Day weekend, because of the sacrifice of countless Americans, I have the freedom to write this article and urge you to turn to Christ and place all your hope and confidence in His finished work.

Thank God for the loving sacrifice of His Son, and for the incalculable sacrifice by so many that makes it possible for us to worship our Creator.

We will probably never know the names or faces of the many who have died to keep us free, yet we can honor them by rightly valuing our freedom and honoring their sacrifice. Our nation is rich with the history of men and women who had the courage and fortitude to stand against cruel oppression to ensure their loved ones could enjoy a life of liberty.

Thank God for America’s sons and daughters who have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Enjoy your Memorial Day 2021 … a high price was paid (and is still being paid) for it.

HHJ News