Remember the Sacrifice, Remember the lives
I could not let today pass by without penning a few thoughts about what this day stands for.
Today is Memorial Day. Memorial Day is the day that we honor those who have fallen (given their lives) while serving our country. Do not confuse it with Veterans Day (as many do)…Veterans Day is the day that we show honor to all those serving our country (past, present and future).
To many people, today (this whole weekend) is the start of summer and cookouts and getting the pool ready to swim. While others, today is a very solemn day, one to remember all those who have passed from this life. But to the veteran and to the families of the fallen soldiers, today carries such a significance, one that runs so deep that words cannot even describe what is in their hearts.
To have a son or daughter, a mother or father, a friend, an uncle, a nephew, someone who you love dearly; give their life while protecting the lives of complete strangers is a pain and heartache that no one can understand unless you’ve experienced it. To be honest, I have not lost a loved one in a war or in the line of duty; however, I became much more keenly aware of this emotion, this sacrifice, when my own son enlisted in the Air Force. I remember the tears that I shed, not just simply in worry over his safety but tears of pride and joy that he would be willing to endanger his life so he could make our country a better place. The tears that I shed can not and will not ever compare to what it must be like to stand and hear the names and ranks of a loved one read out loud during a Memorial Day Service.
The white gloves, the dress uniforms, the rigid posture, the ever so careful salute …what respect and reverence this must bring to these families. And to me. I have often wondered what is the appropriate thing to say on Memorial Day? To these mourning families, do we say, “Happy Memorial Day?” or simply “I’m very sorry for your loss?” As a mother of a Veteran of the Air Force, I can only imagine that some of these loved ones would want us to remember not so much the death, but the life of their fallen soldier. Nobody wants people to forget the sacrifice, but surely no one wants the life of their fallen loved one to be forgotten either.
The American soldier lived to die (if necessary) and they died so that we can live. Their sacrifice follows completely the example of Jesus Christ, Who laid His life down for our freedom. Freedom in Christ.
“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16)
Both in scripture and in military service, to willingly give up one’s life is NOT dependent on if those whom they were dying for were worthy of it. To be quite frank, none of us are worthy of a soldiers life or the blood of Christ. But yet, they gave it all anyway.
“But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8)
I cannot think of anyone other than a soldier who would give their life for me ….except Jesus. He not only would, HE DID! Blessings and Prayers on this Memorial Day…may we remember the sacrifice but may we also remember the lives.
amen my friend
I read this to my husband who fought along with those who gave their lives. Thank you for remembering our fallen soldiers.
Powerful words, Laurie. I am thankful for the soldiers that left their lives on the battlefield. I am even more thankful that Jesus took my sins to the cross.