Memorial Day

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

The first holiday of the summer season. An opportunity to enjoy some relaxing time with family and friends. Maybe a weekend trip to the shore or mountains? Maybe an opportunity to get to outdoor projects? No matter the way you choose to relax, may we pause to remember the sacrifice, the price paid by many, to protect our liberties that we enjoy as a nation. When we remember, we are drawn back to the reality of what actually happened to the dedicated sons and daughters who fought and gave their lives – and that fills us with gratitude.  

Memorial Day Poem by C. W. Johnson

We walked among the markers

Where you fallen soldiers lay.

And listen to the bugle

As TAPS began to play.

The Chaplin led a prayer

We stood with heads bowed low.

And I thought of fallen comrades

I had known so long ago.

 They came from every city

Across this fertile land.

That we might live in freedom.

They lie here ‘neath the sand,

I felt a little guilty

My sacrifice was small.

I only lost a little time

But these men and women lost their all.

Now the services are over

For this Memorial Day.

To the names upon the markers

Thanks for what you’ve given.

No one could ask for more.

May you rest with God in heaven

From now through evermore.

 Lord, hear our prayer for those who have bravely sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We can never be grateful enough for their sacrifices, but we pray that their sacrifices never be forgotten, nor the pain imposed by their loss on their families. On this day to remember, we pray for peace and a future world where lives need not be lost in pursuit of freedom.  In Jesus’ name we pray – AMEN.