Memorial Day has become the semi-official start of the beginning of summer. Not by Mother Nature or any words on a calendar, but by disappearing swimming pool covers, increased lake traffic and regular backyard barbecues. So let’s celebrate summer’s beginning once again. Let’s celebrate our freedom. Let’s also remember those who made this Memorial Day possible.
I decided it would be interesting to look up the exact definition of “memorial” in the dictionary. The version I found stated that a memorial is something which is “intended to preserve the memory of a person or event.” In that definition, the word “preserve” struck me quite a bit. At Memorial Day ceremonies we always hear about honoring and remembering our fallen heroes. We don’t often say, however, that we want to preserve their memory.
Interestingly, the definition of preserve goes something like this, “Preserve — to keep alive or in existence.” When I read that, it hit me. That’s what we strive for when we honor our fallen heroes on Memorial Day, isn’t it? We keep their memory and sacrifice alive by honoring their service.
For many years, I was somewhat disenchanted with the fact that Memorial Day ceremonies were not well-attended. Back then, I took low attendance to mean that honoring sacrifice and duty were things of a lost generation.
I now believe, however, that these things are still valued. As a matter of fact, I know they are. I see it every day as I am thanked, alongside my National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, by those we don’t even know. I now know that keeping alive the memories of our over 200 Georgia fallen heroes who have been killed in action since 9/11 is not done solely at a ceremony at a national cemetery in Canton or Marietta on Memorial Day.
As summer begins on Memorial Day, I believe our lost heroes are honored by the wisps of smoke rising from the backyard barbecues of thousands of houses across America. Their memories are kept alive in the splashes that happen as a result of attempted backflips from diving boards. Their existence and sacrifice are remembered throughout ballparks across the country, and especially here in the Deep South, as we cheer for our Braves and sing the National Anthem.
So this year, on Memorial Day, honor those who have given their all for you and me. I’d definitely encourage you to take an hour and be a part of a Memorial Day ceremony. As we say at my home church, “it’ll bless you.” Alternatively, take a moment to tell your kids about what our heroes have done to make and keep us free. Accounts of bravery and sacrifice on the battlefield are a cornerstone of our society in America. As you pray over your lunchtime or early afternoon barbecue, remember the families who these heroes have left behind and consider praying for them, too. Remember that it’s not just the servicemember who sacrificed for our freedom.
If we continue to do these things, we will truly preserve and properly memorialize those who have gone before us to ensure our freedom. This is how we properly keep our heroes alive. They live through our continued freedom.
May God continue to bless our great nation and those who serve in harm’s way to keep us free. Happy Memorial Day.
