A Day to Remember

 

MEMORIAL DAY - A DAY TO REMEMBER

May 30th marks this year's Memorial Day - a day to remember all the American men and women who died defending our country in times of war. The day of remembrance began just after the American Civil War in 1866, as a way to commemorate both Union and Confederate soldiers who had died during the war. It was originally called, "Decoration Day," because the graves of the fallen were decorated on that day. It was later changed to "Memorial Day." The flag pictured above flies over the field in Pennsylvania where the ill-fated Flight 93 was brought down by the American heroes on that flight during a terrorist attack. They too gave their lives for their country.

Gold Star families are those who have lost an immediate family member in the war. On Memorial Day, flags are flown at half-mast in the morning until noon, at which time they are raised to the top of the staff until sunset in honor of the nation's battle heroes. This monument is located behind the state capitol in Little Rock, Arkansas.

As time has passed, Memorial Day has been expanded to be a Day of Remembrance for all of our loved ones who have passed away and to honor all deceased family members. But, it is still first and foremost, a day to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for our country.

Tears will naturally fall as we remember those we love who are no longer with us, but God has given us a comforting promise in Revelation 21:4.  A time will come when: "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

We Honor the Memory of the Fallen