A Day of Memories

Across The United States we celebrate Memorial Day as a tribute to men and women who have died in wars defending this country.  There are several stories and cities claiming the origin of the holiday.  Three women in Pennsylvania decorated two graves and the following year it became a city wide event. A group of freed slaves in South Carolina visited and decorated a mass grave of union soldiers to remember the sacrifice of the men. There are many more stories throughout the North and the South of honoring fallen, brave men.  Early local events in New York, Illinois and several other states were attended by military leaders.  In 1866 General John Logan called for May 30th to be a nationwide, annual "Decoration Day" in his General Order No.11. After Word War 1, this day became a day to remember all who have given their lives defending this country. After World War 2 it became more commonly known as “Memorial Day”.

Today many see Memorial Day primarily as a holiday from work.  We tend to think far more about grilling out and visiting family than of those who died to make these things possible.  How have we strayed so far from the original sentiments?  How have we lost our Memories?

Scripture speaks to this issue as well.  Throughout the Old Testament men of God made altars to remember the many miracles performed by God.  Places were even named to honor the Work of God.  One example of this, “Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord is Peace. To this day it still stands in Ophrah, which belongs to the Abiezrites.” (Judges 6:24 AMP) Noah, Abraham, David and many others over the years did the same.  They built an altar, offered sacrifices to God, and left a visible reminder to all who came after of the battle God brought victory in. We should also build altars or remembrances for the things God has done in our lives. This can take many forms including places, pictures, and journals.

Parents are also to teach the law (the commandments of God) to their children. “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” (Deuteronomy 6:7 ESV)  This same command is repeated almost word for word in Deuteronomy 11:19.  It is important to God and to us. As parents we should teach our children the word of God. We should also recount examples of the presence and power of God in our lives to our children so they never forget His works.

The writer to the Hebrews recounts some of their ancestors who were great men of faith. (See Hebrews 11) Able, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sarah are all among this group. We often refer to this list is the heroes of faith. They have fought valiantly to hold onto the promises, traditions and commandments of God. Many men and women have gone out as missionaries to bring the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ to others. Many of these have been martyred for their faith. These are true heroes.

The greatest sacrifice in the war between good and evil was made by Jesus Christ. He gave up the throne, glory and unbroken communion with the Father. He suffered rejection, physical torture and a horrible death. The extreme sacrifice was taking on the sin of the world, and therefore being totally separated from the Father. But with the vision of the blessing that would come, He faced this with joy. “...He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2b AMP)

We have many heroes who have fought the good fight of faith. Some are from the past and others are part of our lives now. All are important to remember often and teach the next generation so the memory lives on.

Celebrate today and honor the lives of heroes, both of this nation and of faith.  Create a visible remembrance so you and others will never forget the sacrifice of those who came before you.