Dear Friends,
I hope you had a relaxing weekend! This week we will focus on Memorial Day and next week go back to our new series on The Cross.
Over the weekend, one of my senators sent the following, a bit of background on the history of Memorial Day,
"Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers.
During that first national celebration, former Union Gen. and sitting Ohio Congressman James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were buried there.
While we all spend time with our families and friends, remember to take a moment to thank those men and women who serve today and for those who have given their lives for our country."
I agree with my senator on her last paragraph. While we enjoyed time with our families, have barbeques and picnics, many families across our nation are using today to remember their loved one -their dads, moms, sons, daughters and spouses who bravely fought on our personal and national behalf and did not return in order that we might be free on this day.
'Memorial' means "something designed to preserve the memory of a person, event, etc., as a monument or a holiday." (http://www.dictionary.com/browse/memorial)
The video I have included below encompasses this statement and embodies the truest meaning of Memorial Day. I found it by accident, was deeply touched by it and felt compelled to share.
I use it as a means of asking you to join me in prayer this week for our military families who have loved ones currently serving, our servicemen and woman who are making sacrifices every
day on our nation's behalf, for their safety. Also for the families who are morning the loss of a family member who has served.
If you or you loved ones have served or are serving, please accept my deepest heartfelt thanks and appreciation!
May the Lord bless and keep you and your loved ones this week.
Please feel free to pass on this devot!
Devot. http://www.icr.org/article/day-remember (Used by permission. Take from http://www.icr.org/)
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