Let Us Remember

My boss sent me an email titled "Memorial Day" today. I opened the attachment and was rather surprised by the words I read.

"Monday is Memorial Day, one of our most important national holidays.

It is the time every year to put aside our differences and join together as one nation in remembrance of so many brave and idealistic Americans who gave their lives so freedom might endure for our people, and for people elsewhere in the world.

For many Americans, Memorial Day means the unofficial start of the summer season. But I hope for most of us the original meaning and purpose of this day will not be lost. It surely will not be lost on the surviving veterans who fought America's wars, and who, year after year, faithfully uphold the traditions which honor their fallen comrades.

Nor will it be lost on the families and friends who will travel to military cemeteries across our nation and overseas to decorate with flowers and flags the graves of loved ones who gave all for this country.

And for those who still suffer the physical and emotional wounds of war in veterans hospitals or the private torment of memory, the meaning of this day can never be forgotten.

It has become too easy for those of us who have been protected from war and never seen its horrors up close to lose sight of the debt we owe to those who stepped forward in our place to take the risks and make the sacrifices that ensured a secure nation.

This Memorial Day's ceremonies will honor America's war dead.

But the most important tribute should take place in the heart of every American, to give thanks for our liberty and to remember the price paid, in human lives, to keep it."

-Jessica Harris

"I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours, to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the Alter of Freedom."

-Abraham Lincoln

I judge Memorial Day rather harshly because of the experiences I have had growing up. However, the words contained in the email made me realize that I've lost sight of the meaning behind Memorial Day. It really has nothing to do with me but those who have sacrificed their lives for freedom.

So, as we enjoy this long weekend, I hope we all take a few minutes to thank our Father for the country we live in and the freedoms we have. And, let us all remember the human price paid to keep it.