30 May 05 May We Keep In Memory
Memorial day weekend is something of an enigma. For many it’s about sleeping in, a family barbecue, serious water sports and spectacular savings. For others it’s a reminder of someone they loved who served on a field of battle or a theater of war.
I’m confused by the mixed messages. What is this day all about?
A four day weekend? A savings extravaganza? A Monday without having to go to work? A day to save an extra 10%-30% at Mattress Mart? An unbelievable deal on a refrigerator or a car?
Does the consumer side of our “American way” diminish or disrespect those who died giving us our “American way?”
I‚Äôm not saying it‚Äôs wrong to buy a mattress, a refrigerator or a new car on memorial day. I‚Äôm not saying it‚Äôs wrong to be excited about a four day weekend. Though, if I’m wrong about that I would easily understand.
I am saying even when our men and women are still on the front lines of battle there are those who forget. (I also find it curious how we celebrate week after week the sacrifice of our Savior and yet we still forget - manifested in our struggle to live day after day for our Savior.) We seem to have little problem instituting a memorial. The greater struggle seems to be in keeping centered around the memorial.
I’ve never served in the military and so I’m curious as to the attitudes of those who did serve - and are serving - on a day like today.
What is the proper way to honor the men and women of our military on a day such as this?
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Just before reading your blog, I opened an email from the mother of a Marine Captain we know very well. She asked if we would simply take a moment to pray for them … that of all the gifts we could give to the military men and women on active duty, prayer is the best.
I’m with you on this one. I’ve wondered many times why we don’t do more to remember on a Memorial Day. We’re going to a BBQ with friends for the purpose of remembering. The BBQ is to get us together. The purpose is to remember more than eat.
Yesterday morning I had a sermon prepared (in a series of sermons on what it means to be a sanctuary community) and a member asked me about 9:00, “Are you going to say anything about our veterans today? I just think they deserve to be recognized.” I told her I hadn’t planned anything, then went off to Sunday School. I left SS a little early, went to my office and pulled out a couple of things I’d filed away and did a sermon to honor our contemporary warriors, basing it on the list in 2 Samuel of David’s “mighty men,” aka “The Thirty, of which there were 37??!!
Our vets deserved far more than just a slide on a screen, which is all I had until I was asked that question.
You’re right. Why do we need to be reminded to reMEMber those we honor on MEMorial day?
I’ll be sending up prayers today, both for those I know and those I don’t.
Right now it is 3:00 PM. Many people, particularly our military and surrounding military communities, take this moment to be silent as a reminder for those who have died protecting our freedoms, and for those presently serving. While parades occur today and on Veterans Day, it appears many Americans forget how they have their current freedoms. We can pray for our current members. It’s nice to be in a church family that does recognize the military. “All gave some, and some gave all!” (found on an American soldier’s grave in Okinawa after WWII).
Your comment about how easy we forget how much a sacrifice Jesus’ made for us is so well said. Your message yesterday was terrific!
It really is incomprehensible how we take so much for granted. I try to remind myself (shouldn’t need reminding) to pray for those in harm’s way every day and for their families, and to quietly remember and honor in my heart those who, throughout the years, have gone to war and not come back (or returned with life-changing injuries). But I am as guilty as the next when it comes taking all of this for granted and forgetting.
By the same token, even though I bow my head every Sunday in communion, Monday through Friday, in the work-a-day world and in the business of cleaning out the attic, etc., I’m afraid sometimes I take Him for granted, too.
As for the holiday itself, it also reminds me of how we mix up Santa Claus and a Christmas tree with the birth of Christ and the Easter Bunny, along with white shoes(!), with his resurrection!
File under “For what it’s worth”
When I was in the Army (1989-1994), I wanted “my fellow Americans” to exercise their rights. Simple, you say? For some reason, no.
I remember feeling offended when people (uh, non-military people) told me that they hadn’t voted in the presidential or even the mid-term election. Sloth–not felony conviction–was the only explanation ever given for having failed to register to vote.
When the artillery started flying in the 1991 Gulf War, protests of varying degrees of intensity broke out in and around the California community where I was stationed. Many of my fellow soldiers decried the protesters as (insert epithet). I remember being impressed when my platoon sergeant asked them, “Why are the protests bothering you? What do you think we wear this uniform for?”
So, please citizenate responsibly.
The things that have already been mentioned in the comments posted are all appropriate ways to celebrate days set aside to remember those who serve: get with friends, reach out to an oveseas veteran’s family, be appreciative of the liberties that past sacrifices help make possible.
Also, your neighborhood police officer and firefighter deserve a portion of that homage.
Thank you all for your comments and suggestions.
Thanks especially to beonetraveler and waterlover for your service and your insights.
I’m curious is there any special connection to 3PM as a designated time among military personnel?
My prayers go out to those on the front lines;
May God grant victory
A thousand shall fall at your left and ten thousand at your right but none shall come near thy dwelling.
May God protect you from the arrow that flies by day and the pestilence that flies by night.
The God who keeps you does not slumber nor sleep.
My stepfather served in WWII and the Korean War and is a purple heart recipient. He saw most of his unit perish in the Battle of the Bulge. Some time ago he acquired a special license plate for his car. He is moved and appreciative when people come up to him and simply say “thank you,” although sometimes it take him a minute or two to figure out what they are thanking him for! He says that the validation means more to him than anything. Much like how we should show our appreciation to our savior each and every day through prayer, word and deed.