I think we all know 'why'.
It seems like there has been a war going on somewhere in the world....
all of our lives.
The wars and dates are not as important as loved ones we remember....
whether in war or not. The best memorial we can leave is found in the lives of people.....
we will influence during our days on earth!
In II Timothy, Lois and Eunice (the mother and grandmother of Timothy)
are remembered. He wrote:
"I am reminded of your sincere faith that dwelt first in Lois and Eunice.
A good question to answer is "What will you leave that will help people remember you?
A building, a room or a person whose life has been touched by God through you?"
It is well we remember our military men and women who have given their lives in wars. There were at least two times when my older brother Bryce narrowly escaped death while serving in Europe.
I remember him most for the examples in all areas of his life.....
and the love he shared with me and our 2 younger brothers.
His pattern of Love helped me to pass that along to others and now....
to my own family.
Bryce is now in Heaven but his legacy lives on ...
and we give 'Thanks-Living' for his life and sacrifice.
The first Memorial Day actually started in 1863 on an April morning in Columbia, Mo. when a group of ladies came to decorate graves of soldiers who were killed in the Civil War.
The first national Memorial Day was in 1868 and since then, we have honored those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the:
~Spanish-American War
~World War II and III
~Korean War
~Vietnam
~Middle East (where the sacrifices still are going on today)
God help us to accept the Prince of Peace an teach us to learn to live together....
under the banner of LOVE!
This is a heartfelt poem from 'Mature Living' magazine:
'MEMORIAL DAY' by Annette Sharpe
"Leave no wreath on the hill where we lie.
It's for our country's honor we die.
Our future gone
So freedom might live on.
Leave no red rose on every stone where brave ones sleep,
Though there be not one dry eye, do not weep.
We fought valiantly, but since we're gone,
Make sure that freedom lives on.
When the flag is raised,
Salute and heart and hand...
And pray on this Memorial Day
That liberty will live forever in this land.
When we left a crimson stain,
May we not have died in fain.
Pay us tribute with the loyalty you give
To freedom's cause, forever, while you live."
Truly Memorial Day is a reminder to remember!
May people say of us (as they did of Timothy)....
"I remember and am blessed by your sincere faith...
that dwelt first in your grandmothers and mother."
PRAYING THAT YOU AND YOUR'S WILL HAVE A BLESSED MEMORIAL DAY....
as you REMEMBER!
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