In Memory Of So Many Lives Given

Memorial Day is just around the corner. As we begin to celebrate this weekend I have to wonder if we even know WHY we celebrate it. Do you know how to celebrate this solemn holiday? Here are some facts and interesting observances that make this holiday unique. If you want to read further you can find more information here at the US Dept. of Veteran Affairs.

Moment of Silence

In the military, in the cemetery, in your home; it is customary to observe one full minute of silence at 3pm in honor of the men and women who died serving our country. Our freedoms today are here because of what so many others sacrificed.

Not Veteran’s Day

This took me until our oldest was in the Air Force to figure out. Veteran’s Day is kept for thanking men and women for serving our country. Memorial Day is to honor the fallen. While it’s still okay to thank a vet, Memorial Day is truly about the fallen. In November, we will thank our vets.

Our Great Flag

Don’t you enjoy seeing the red, white and blue flying? It’s a grand old flag as the song states. The rule is that while it is okay to raise the flag briskly the morning of Memorial Day, it must only be raised to half-staff. At noon, the flag should be raised to full staff until sunset when it is taken down. This is the only day that observes both positions of the flag. If you do not have the capability to raise and lower the flag, then a black ribbon attached to the top when it is supposed to be lower is acceptable.

Day of Observance

Originally, Memorial Day was set to the 30th of May. No battles were fought on this day (during the Civil War). However, it soon was changed by congress to the last Monday in May to give a three-day weekend and widen the observance of it. As we celebrate families, loved ones gone and still with us, and our military fallen, let’s remember that the ultimate sacrifice was truly our Savior when He died on the cross to remove all our sins, in God’s eyes and make us free forever. Without His death we’d have no forgiveness of sins. Have you recognized Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for your life today?

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Celebrations are big in any culture.  Read  here about a family who not only honored their Jewish culture but was so filled with gratitude for their country, America, they instilled it in their children. So, this weekend as we celebrate this holiday with our families, let’s sing with James Cagney that grand old song and honor all those who have given so much up in order for us to live in this beautiful country.