Remembering Memorial Day

It is seen by most in America as the official start to the summer season. Many take the three-day holiday to go away or perhaps stay at home and enjoy picnics and the company of friends and family. Of course it is Memorial Day - one of the nation's major federal holidays observed annually in the United States on the last Monday of May.

Memorial Day originally had a different name. It was called Decoration Day because the graves of fallen warriors in their nation’s military service would typically be decorated with flowers. It was first celebrated on May 30th and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers. By the 20th century it would honor all Americans who had died in battle.

One of the longest-standing traditions of the day is the running of the Indianapolis 500. The race has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911. Also, the National Memorial Day Concert takes place on the west lawn of the United States Capitol each year. The concert is broadcast on PBS and NPR. Outstanding music is performed accompanied by sobering stories of the men and women who have given themselves fully for their country. It is a highly moving and highly inspirational program and much recommended to any who wish to really get a sense of what many Americans have given through the years to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.

The honoring of those who have willingly given themselves in such an unusual and unselfish manner is a vivid reminder of the words of Jesus in John chapter fifteen. There we are reminded of what true sacrifice is all about – the ultimate eternal sacrifice. In verses 12-13 He declared, "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." But with that said, the actions of the Savior go far beyond serving family, friends or even strangers according to Romans 5:7-8. The Apostle Paul penned there, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That is a sacrifice on a whole other level!

But along with providing salvation, and the freedom from the guilt and penalty of sin, Christ had even more in mind for those who would accept His terms of redemption by faith. This concept is stated briefly in John 10:10. Jesus stated, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” He was conveying that, not only did he come to grant eternal life and a blessed future in heaven for all eternity, but also in order that our lives be some special, unique and purposeful in the here and now.

The abundant life could be described in numerous ways and at great length. But perhaps the best and briefest way would to seriously consider the several desirable qualities that can be enjoyed by any follower of Christ sis to study the attributes in Galatians 5:22-23. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” The abundant life of the Christian includes these coveted blessed qualities and many more.

On this Memorial Day we should all thank and honor those who gave of themselves for the freedoms we now enjoy. And we should pray for those currently in harms way on behalf of their fellow man. But we should also use this same occasion to thank and honor the Son of Man whose sacrifice redeemed us from the power and penalty of sin!

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10)

Bill Breckenridge