Memorial Day usually means picnics, parades, family get-togethers, backyard baseball games, hotdogs, fun, the beginning of summer is almost upon us. But what does Memorial Day really mean? What’s it all about?
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, became an official American holiday in 1971 to honor all of the men and women who have died for our country and our freedoms. On this day, Americans across the country began to honor these brave men and women by decorating the graves and resting places of fallen soldiers. The holiday actually dates back to the 1860’s when the Northern Civil War veterans asked for a day of remembrance for our nation’s fallen soldiers. President Garfield gave the first Decoration Day speech at Arlington cemetery where so many of the Union and Confederate soldiers were buried.
We visited Arlington a few years ago. There were grave markers as far as the eye could see, more than we could begin to count! It was humbling to think that each marker represents a life given so that we could enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy today, in 2021. Sadly, lives of our young men and women are still being laid down around the world today to ensure the continuation of those freedoms. While in Arlington, we watched the “changing of the guard” at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every day and every night of the year despite the weather, the tomb is guarded. Every 30 minutes a change of command occurs in total silence and reverence except for the commands given and received by the guards. In 2003 during a hurricane, the soldiers were actually given permission to halt their duty. But they declined the halt and continued their guard out of their deep respect for the lives given by their fellow comrades.
May we be thankful, recognizing the sacrifices that so many families made of the loss of their loved ones so that we, today, could enjoy all that we have as Americans. Let us say a prayer of thanks to almighty God for their lives that were given for people they didn’t even know, that we have the freedom to express ourselves, to live in a free country, to enjoy the privilege to worship as we choose, and all the other many freedoms and rights that we have as Americans. Let us pray that God continues to bless America and all who live within her borders, with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And may we live out 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land.” God bless the USA!
Have a blessed Memorial Day! (and if you have never been to Arlington Cemetery, be sure to plan a family trip there…so much to see and learn from!) ~~ Alvera Bell