LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE

 Memorial Day is here! This is a day we observe here in the United States to remember those who died while serving their country.

This is just not a day for sales at the mall,cookouts, and a day at the beach but it has a solemn meaning we should never forget. Anyone who has had the honor and privilege of visiting the most well known military cemetery on American soil, Arlington National Cemetery, outside Washington, DC can attest to the solemn atmosphere of this day. As a child back in Ohio I remember a parade being held where it ended in the local cemetery. Today's non stop 24/7 world leaves little time to do anything much less take time to honor the war dead who fought and died so you could go to the local pool, the mall, or out for a hike. There seemingly appears to be no respect for a day normally set aside just to observe this day,not to have it ignored.

Many today think this day is for honoring all people who have died. While thy is noble, the true reason for this special day is to pay tribute to those in service to this country have paid the ultimate sacrifice. It was first observed in 1868 and the actual day is May 30th but when our government went to three day holiday weekends back in 1971 they lumped this sacred holiday right in there with all others. I would like to see it return to the 30th and not be changed just for Americans to go out and shop or have the day off work or a long weekend to take a vacation. Then maybe it would have meaning again. If you are a parent or a grandparent who remembers what it used to be like try to instill this in your children or grandchildren.

Everyone reading this needs to stop for a moment, go see if you can locate your American flag or buy one if you do not own one, and go outside and put it on display. We enjoy the freedoms we have in The United States because of the brave me and women who gave their lives so we might live. I saw a bumper sticker recently that said "Marines Die So You Don't Have To". That is true. Army, Navy,Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard and National Guard are out there to serve and defend.

So today stop what you are doing and think about what we enjoy here in America because these brave heroes paid for it with their lives.

John 15:13(NIV) says 'Greater love has no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.'

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord for not taking time to give this sacred holiday any thought. Today we remember those brave heroes who lie in graves across this land and overseas, often forgotten and we say thanks. We pray for the families left behind. We also pray for those currently serving in our Armed Forces that you will protect them. We pray for our government to show respect to them and not use them for political tools. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link for a patriotic song.

http://youtu.be/U_5aoptI5j0