Why we Need Memorial Day

Far too many Americans treat Memorial Day as nothing more than the unofficial start of summer. The school year has finished, graduation ceremonies have concluded, and crowds are heading to the beaches. Backyard grills will sizzle with hamburgers and hotdogs while kids splash in the pool. 

Yet, not nearly enough thought is given to the tremendous sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes, that have made all of this possible. Sure, our servicemen and women want us to enjoy our freedom, as well as the families of those who have died fighting for those freedoms; but we must not forget those who gave up their lives so we could enjoy ours. 

Sadly, every year there are fewer and fewer Memorial Day Parades, ceremonies, and community observances. Why? Because we Americans have short memories. We forget way too soon what war costs. And because it is nearly impossible to get our self-centered, leisure-loving society away from their entertainment induced stupor, and truly think about what others have done for us. 

Yet, for those who have lost loved ones in war, this weekend is more than just another holiday. The grieving families of fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, remember Memorial Day encompasses much more than BBQs and three-day weekends. And so should we! 

Memorial Day is a time to honor the sacrifice of the more than one million men and women in uniform who paid the ultimate price for freedom.

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

In our fast-paced world, we need reminders (like Memorial Day) because we are so quick to forget the sacrifices that allow us to live freely in the greatest nation on earth. It is incumbent on parents and grandparents to teach the next generation that freedom comes at tremendous cost. 

Our nation’s freedom was bought by the bloodshed and courage of thousands of military lives, most of whom were very young men. Yet because most kids in America have not experienced the loss, hardship and uncertainty of war; they are prone to greatly undervalue the liberties they enjoy.

So, this Memorial Day weekend, I encourage you to take time to honor those who died for this country. Teach your family what it cost for us to enjoy our freedoms. Pause to remember those who gave what Abraham Lincoln called the “last full measure of devotion.” 

It is good — even Biblical — to give honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7). Those who died to make us free are national treasures worthy of our highest esteem. They and their families merit our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation this holiday. 

The men and women we pay tribute to this Memorial Day embody 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. There is no greater earthly display of love than the willingness to give one’s life for others.

Yet this was not merely a passing statement by the Lord Jesus. It pointed forward to His own mission. God created this world in innocence, but sin entered it, bringing death, disease, and war in its wake. Jesus came into this world to free sinners from the bondage of sin. 

To accomplish that spiritual freedom, a great price had to be paid — even His own life. As Christ hung upon the Roman cross, bearing the sins of all who would trust in Him, He displayed His matchless love by purchasing a freedom we did not deserve (and too often), take for granted. He died, was buried, and rose again so that all who trust in Him might enjoy eternal life forever.

Because of the sacrifices of countless Americans, I have the freedom to write these words and urge you to turn to Christ and place your hope in His finished work.

Thank God for the loving sacrifice of His Son, and for the immeasurable sacrifices of those who have made it possible for us to worship freely.

We may never know the names or faces of many who died to preserve our freedom, but we can honor them by valuing that freedom rightly and remembering their sacrifice. Our nation’s history is filled with courageous men and women who stood against oppression so their loved ones could live in liberty.

Thank God for America’s sons and daughters who have laid such costly sacrifices upon the altar of freedom.

Enjoy your Memorial Day 2026 — remembering that a great price was paid, and is still being paid, for the freedoms we enjoy.