What Memorial Day Means to a Believer Who Served
Memorial Day is a day dedicated to honoring and remembering those who have died serving in the US military. Originally called Decoration Day, it started after the Civil War when communities began to decorate the graves of the fallen. In 1971 it was officially recognized as a US federal holiday. And while Memorial Day is often considered the unofficial start to summer and is celebrated with barbeques, fun in the sun, and great sales at stores we love, it’s important that we don’t forget to celebrate the service and sacrifice of the fallen.
As a veteran, this holiday is special to me as I have served with some amazing men and women who paid the ultimate price. It was never lost on us while wearing the uniform that we could be asked to go places and do things that might cause us to not return home. But the health and vigor of youthfulness often makes you think it won’t happen to you or people you know. Until it does.
I’m grateful to have known people like these, who all died bravely while defending the freedoms of America and its allies.
LTC Jaimie Leonard who died in Afghanistan (Hero 185 – Jaimie Elizabeth Leonard – The Grateful Nation Project)
LT Leif Nott who died in Iraq (Leif E. Nott – Massachusetts Fallen Heroes)
CPT Dennis Pintor (DENNIS PINTOR — The 98 Fund)
CPT Stephen Frank (STEPHEN FRANK — The 98 Fund)
CPT Jay Harting (RALPH (JAY) HARTING — The 98 Fund)
As a Christian, this sort of selflessness, sacrifice, and willingness to live open handed with our most valuable possession resonates deeply. We follow Jesus, a man who was willing to give his own life so that humanity could have freedom from the consequence of sin.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 (NLT)
If I am in pursuit of looking more like Jesus and following his lead, then I should consider how I can seek to serve instead of to be served and how I can subordinate myself for the betterment of others.
This Memorial Day, can we stop for a moment and be grateful for men and women who are willing to give their lives for our freedom? Can we pause and consider what needs to change in our lives to fully appreciate this sacrifice? Can we do one act of selfless service this week to honor their selfless service?
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NIV)