Those who gave all
The end of May approaches. We look forward to Memorial Day for various reasons–a day off work, a quick vacation, a weekend on the lake, or a day to sleep late and do as little as possible. While we may joyfully anticipate a day of rest or play, it’s a time to remember the fallen–those who gave all.
Memorial Day honors all Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, while serving in the United States military. This special day to honor those who died in service to their country became official by an Act of Congress in 1971.
Let’s not forget their sacrifice.
A day to remember
This day of remembrance first began as local observances honoring neglected gravesites of Civil War soldiers. One such event occurred in Hampton Park, South Carolina on May 1, 1865, although more than twenty-five other locations claim to have been the first to sponsor Memorial Day. The first large commemoration of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1873 in Arlington National Cemetery. General Ulysses S. Grant presided.
Arlington National Cemetery
Until World War I, only Civil War soldiers were honored. Now, all American soldiers, who die while in service, are remembered. Learn more about the history of Memorial day here.
My dad served in World War II. Thankfully he came back (I wouldn’t be here otherwise). But all soldiers are changed by their military experiences, especially if they lose a comrade. A good friend of my dad was killed following the invasion of Normandy. Fellow soldiers never forget the loss. Nor should we.
No greater love
Can there be any greater love than one who would give his/her life to save and protect others?
Jesus said:
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:12-13)
We are blessed to have a Savior, Jesus, who gave His life for us. His love and sacrifice extend to us the gift of eternal life.
The sacrifices of those who died on the battlefield to grant and preserve freedom for us and others throughout the world are a blessing we can never repay.
A time to give thanks
I hope you will join me in giving thanks for those who served and lost their lives preserving freedom here at home and abroad.
For those who fought and died–and for their families–thank you.
Thank you for your post, Katherine. I’m so grateful to everyone who has served, whether or not they gave the ultimate sacrifice. All of them deserve our eternal gratitude.
Yes, I agree Joni. We can never repay them for their service and sacrifice, but we can strive to appreciate and thank them. Wishing you a blessed week!
The losses continue to be so sad. Think of the tens of thousands of families affected by their loved ones’ sacrifices.
Yes, Tim. When we we learn to solve our differences without war?
Beautiful. My husband served in Vietnam. When danger surrounded him, he did not shrink back. He saved a lot of other soldiers and came home highly decorated.
Back in those days, we wives were referred to as “waiting wives.”
I look forward to the day when there will be no more wars. Until then, may God protect our servicemen and women, and also our law enforcement officers and firefighters.
Thank you for stopping by my blog, Judy, and for your kind encouragement. I’m grateful to your husband and all veterans who fought here at home and abroad for our freedom–and for freedom for those in other countries. We owe such a debt to them and to our other service personnel. Like you, I pray for the time when there will be no more wars, no more loss of life through violence. May God continue to bless you in your ministry of service to Him.
May our country never forget that our freedom is because of the sacrifice of others. Thank you, Katherine!
I agree, Barbara. So many men and women have given their lives in service to God and country. We can never repay their sacrifice, but we should never forget what they have done for us. Peace and blessings, my friend.
Thank you, Katherine! My Dad served in WWII also, and as he got older I learned more about the toll it took on him! I wish I had thanked him more often for his sacrifice.
I wish the same, Kathy. Although we talked some about the war, I wish I had been more understanding of how my dad’s sacrifice changed him. I’m thankful to our veterans and all others in service professions. We are blessed.
Amen, Katherine. Thank you for the history and the reminder.
Thank you, Diana. Wishing you a blessed week.
Thank you for encouraging us to remember! Let us live in such a way to honor their a great sacrifice.
Oh yes, Terri! I pray we can be worthy of their sacrifice. I know I can never be worthy of the sacrifice our Lord gave for us, but I’m trying to honor Him as best I can. Peace and blessings!
Wonderful reminder Katherine. We must not forget those who gave so much.
I agree, Yvonne. We should never forget their sacrifice. Thank you for your kind encouragement. So good to see you at Blue Ridge. Praying for safe travels.
Thank you for the reminder to remember and honor those who died in the service of our country. It’s easy to get wrapped up in our own lives and forget the reasons for certain observances and freedoms we take for granted. Reading your post helped me to remember to live in a spirit of gratitude.
Sarah, thank you for sharing your insights and gifting me with encouragement. There are times when I need reminders to live with a spirit of gratitude. It’s easy to slip into complacency. Wishing you continued blessings.