Pause to Remember

I read an article by Jennie Haskamp titled, “I’m a veteran and I hate ‘Happy Memorial Day.’ Here’s why.” Haskamp wrote that in her opinion, a somber holiday to remember those service members who have died protecting our freedom seems to have become the official start of summer when people are more concerned about barbecues and great shopping deals. She says, “But it shouldn’t be. It’s more than that.”

Here is how Memorial Day started:

“Begun as a way to honor Civil War dead, the commemoration was long called Decoration Day from the practice of decorating graves. The observance was held on May 30 no matter the day of the week. Since 1971, Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday in May as the end of a federally mandated three-day weekend. Now firmly ingrained as the traditional start of the summer season, the solemn reasons behind the day have faded despite the continuing sacrifices of so many.” (from “Remembering the Meaning of Memorial Day, by Walter R. Borneman)

My husband, Joe, and I each have a great uncle who died in combat, that neither of us knew because they died in WWII long before we were ever born. Joe’s dad’s uncle, Joseph Raymond Paul, Jr. served in the Army and died in the South Pacific.  My dad’s uncle, Harry Marshall, died when his plane was shot down over Europe. The interesting thing is that my husband, Joe, shares the name of his fallen great uncle and my great uncle died on March 18, which turns out to be the same date that Joe and I got married (we didn’t realize it was the same day until a few years ago.)

Is there someone you are thinking of today who gave their life in service to our country? May we all pause to remember those who lost their lives defending our freedom and fighting in wars that we may never experience or understand.

Father in heaven, Thank you for all of those who have served our country and died protecting us.  Help us to remember their sacrifice and please comfort those who continue to mourn their loss. May we never forget.  Amen.

Melissa