Memorial Day – 5-27-24 – How Do You Remember?
What if your kids or grandkids ask you the history of Memorial Day? Could you give them a solid answer? Many in our country do not know the history of Memorial Day. Yet citizens of the United States enjoy so many freedoms every single day due to the sacrifice remembered on this day.
Many communities started celebrating Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, after the Civil War when the nation was reeling from more than 620,000 military deaths. According to the National Archives, the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of Republic, selected May 30, 1868, as a day to decorate the graves of Union troops across the country. Thus began the U.S. tradition of setting aside an annual day of honoring those who have died in U.S. military service. In contrast, Veterans Day (November 11) honors the service of all U.S. military veterans, those who are still with us and those who have died.
By far some of the most memorable stops on our 2021 family cross-country road trip were to the sites that commemorated those who have died in service. In Washington, D.C., we visited the war memorials and were incredibly moved. In Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, we reflected on the almost inconceivable number of deaths in the Civil War. There was such a palpable sense of loss and sacrifice there – especially of young lives – at this historical site.
Stephen knows firsthand that the way history is taught these days is promoting disdain for our nation in the next generation – from the historical revisionism of Howard Zinn to the way textbooks portray America as an evil empire. Many youth are under their influence and are growing up hating America and questioning whether we need a military at all. If anyone wonders whether there are tyrants or terrorists who would love to take over the world, look no further than Stalin, or Hitler, or Mao Zedong. Closer to home, visit the 9-11 Memorial in NY.
We encourage everyone to take a few minutes and reflect on the history of this holiday. Please pray for those who are serving our country in the midst of much international uncertainty. And most importantly thank Jesus Christ for the laying down His life making salvation available to all.