More than Just another Holiday: Memorial Day

"It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain…" –President Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address

I know… it's the official start of summer—I get it.

As May turns to June, we in the northern hemisphere are celebrating the casting off of cold, and welcoming flip-flops, sundresses and shorts once again.

Propane tanks are being topped off in preparation of barbeques that will fire up this weekend. Boats are being cleaned up after a winter's sleep, and garage sales are being organized.

But this country's observance of something much more meaningful often seems to get lost in the jubilant re-visitation of summer.

Remembering. …Honoring the ones who laid down their lives in service and protection of this "Land of the Free."

While I don't really consider myself as having been raised in a "military family," my father and brother both did serve for a time in the U.S. Navy. And, I have always felt it was important to consider the cost of those who have been a part of defending the values and freedom we hold close, in various wars throughout this nation's history.

For one thing, God calls His people to remember—to consider all that He has done in their lives and how they have come to where they are now.

And, to remember the sacrifices made along the way by others for future generations.
At the risk of quoting a philosopher who seemed to be fairly atheistic—George Santayana—I do agree with his often quoted (and misquoted) text; "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

It's important to remember the reasons why battles were fought, and those who fought them.

King David wrote in Psalm 3, "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?"

Ways to Remember
Throughout all civilizations on this earth, history has been handed down from generation to generation, through storytellers, then through writing and print, then film and TV and now through blogs, videos and photos on the internet.

It's pretty easy these days to find ways to spark our memories of our country's past, and those who helped to protect it and shape its history.

Perhaps though, some of the best ways are still the simple show of respect and honor; such as attending a Memorial Day parade; going to a Memorial Day service to honor fallen heroes; or even just reaching out to shake the hand and say "thank you" to a Veteran.

There are also some good movies that can remind us of what was endured to keep this nation free.

So, while you gather with family for the ushering in of the long-awaited summer months; take a little time to reflect and remember the ones—and The One—who made your holiday possible.

Because, Memorial Day is more than just another day off.