“Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends”. John 15:13.
Memorial Day, which is the day set apart to honor the men and women who died while serving in the American military, always falls on the last Monday of May. Originally known as Decoration Day, began years after the Civil War. Americans observe “Memorial Day” by visiting cemeteries or memorials and holding family gatherings as well as participating in parades. It became a federal holiday in 1971 and in their memory of their lives the National Cemetery is decorated. On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:
“The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.”
After World War I, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and began to honor those who had died in all the America's wars. In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual event in the community. Besides this day, Veterans Day, is also a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead and is celebrated on November 11 each year.
Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the President or Vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.
Memorial Day reminds us that we are part of a nation with a great history and privileges. These privileges come with responsibilities as they are consequential on the sacrifices of others. Memorial Day reminds us that we are indebted to others for their sacrifices that lead to the safety, security and freedom of this country. Some of them are soldiers who died for causes like liberty, justice, and peace and others worked to help them to achieve such goals like the physicians and nurses as well as other professionals who served the soldiers during the war and died serving. Recognizing their sacrifice we are indebted to them and thus inspire the feeling of gratitude towards them and to God. This gratitude is an admirable basis for a good Christian life.
Jesus Christ is the greatest redeemer who died for the freedom of all creation as He gave His life to free us all from the bondages of sin granting us freedom. Jesus taught us through his death on the cross, the value of giving life for others. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it” (Matt 16:250), “the Son of Man came… to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Freedom is of great value but it comes with responsibility as well. St. Paul in his writing to the church at Galatia Says “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Gal 5:1).
Life is precious as Jesus says “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Such values that depict the preciousness of life create the feeling of respect, love and gratitude. We do need to have a heart filled with gratitude but for that we need to value life. Every privilege in life we enjoy has a price that someone has paid for and sacrificed like the healing that 10 received but where are the rest nine who got healed?
Prepared by Rev. A. Abraham
Adapted from Taking the High Ground: Military Moments with God, copyright 2001 by Col. Jeff O'Leary. Published by Cook Communications Ministries, Colorado Springs, Colo., www.ivictor.com, 1-800-437-4337
Here are some ways the military can teach us more about God:
· Freedom isn't free; it costs a great deal. People in the military often make sacrifices and endure pain to secure and protect our nation's freedoms - placing themselves in dangerous situations, leaving family and friends behind for long periods of time, suffering torture, injury, and death. Christ, in His great love for us, made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross so that we could be free to have an abundant life on Earth and an eternal relationship with God.
· No matter what the circumstances - whether inside muddy trenches under fire from an enemy or in the midst of a difficult civilian situation - God will be present and will keep His promises. He is always trustworthy, and knows exactly what you need.
· Praying for enemies and forgiving them through God's power is essential. All people, no matter what wrong choices they make, have been made in God's image. God grieves for everyone who is lost and hopes they will choose relationships with Him. No one is beyond hope if people pray for him or her. Forgiveness enables people who have been wounded physically, mentally, and spiritually to rid themselves of the poison of bitterness and embrace the future in healthy ways.
· Every moment of life is a gift from God that should be treasured and used well. Life can end suddenly, at any moment.
· Wherever people move and however the circumstances of their lives change, if they're ( God’s children) Christians, they remain part of God's universal family. Even when separated from human families and friends, people can always count on God and brothers and sisters in Christ.
· God's grace is what ultimately sustains people. Although the military operates in an orderly way by using a system of ranks, God loves all people - from a freshly recruited enlisted soldier to a veteran officer - the same and gives all equal access to His power to accomplish His purposes in their lives.
· When God allows suffering, He will always redeem it somehow in the lives of those who love Him. He transforms evil into good according to His will for all concerned.
· God is always looking for people willing to serve. He has many opportunities available to those willing to join His army. Although recruits can expect some hardship, their commitment will prove worthwhile beyond anything they can imagine.