Thoughts on Memorial Day Weekend

I am concerned that many Americans will either forget or completely ignore the importance of Memorial Day. Many Americans will only focus on the "fun side" (recreation, food, fun, personal pleasures, etc.) and fail to remember the true purpose of this weekend. Let me briefly remind you of the original purpose of Memorial Day. “Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance for everyone who has died serving in the American armed forces. The holiday, originally known as Decoration Day, started after the Civil War to honor the Union and Confederate dead.”

Is it possible that we have taken for granted the freedom that we enjoy in America? Is it possible that we have taken for granted those men and women who have served to defend those freedoms that we enjoy on a daily basis? Is it possible that we have forgotten those men and women who paid the ultimate price (their death) on a battlefield thousands of miles away from the American shore lines? Is it possible that we have forgotten those men and women who returned home from their time of service wounded (physically as well as emotionally), injured, disfigured, depressed, discouraged, rejected, shunned, overlooked and underappreciated? We as American citizens need to do a better job of recognizing, respecting, honoring, appreciating and praying for these unique servants who have stood in the gap for EACH OF US!!!

I would like to encourage you to not get "captured by the hype" of the "holiday." Trust me; it is not a holiday for any individual who has lost a friend or family member on the battlefield in some foreign land. We cannot afford to forget TO REMEMBER THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE SERVED AND CONTINUE TO SERVE IN OUR MILITARY FORCES. Take a moment and say THANK YOU!! Take a moment and PRAY FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR TROOPS BOTH HOME AS WELL AS ABROAD!! This is also a wonderful weekend TO OFFER OUR SINCERE PRAISE AND THANKS TO GOD FOR OUR FREEDOM TO CELEBRATE OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST!!