Memorial Day

The uniquely American Holiday began as "Decoration Day" in 1868 to honor the Civil War dead buried at the Arlington National Cemetery by decorating their graves with flowers. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who had died in "The Great War", and in 1971, was designated as a national holiday to honor all deceased military. Since services take place in cemeteries, all deceased family members are remembered in prayer. Parades, concerts of patriotic music, fireworks and speeches mark the day. It also marks the "beginning" of the summer season, and somewhat unfortunately, is the occasion of "fabulous memorial day sales", another encroachment of commecialism that is as invasive as unwanted kudzu, or killer bees.
As we pray for the deceased who gave their lives that we may continue to enjoy the freedom to worship, be with family, and, yes, have those sales, let us remember their families who mourn them, and those veterans struggling with injuries, handicaps, post war stress disorders of all sorts, and old age. We owe them a debt that cannot be repaid.
And, finally, we remember also those men and women now serving on three fronts in active duty: Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. It staggers the mind to think of so many who are deployed, yet even more staggering are the numbers of deceased in WW II, 400,000, or Viet Nam, 55,000+. Perhaps living "the Golden Rule" might help peace begin in families, spread to communities, and to the world. At least, may prayers of peace accompany our prayers for the deceased. Thank you Lord, for these valiant men and women who gave their lives for us, may we treasure the legacy they left us, and may we live peacefully and strive for justice and liberty for all people, so that their sacrifice might not have been in vain. Amen.