It is Memorial Day. A day off from work and school. A day to barbeque. In my childhood, the day the community pool opened to mark the unofficial first day of summer. It was always a day for parades and community celebration.
I did not serve in the military. I have lost no one close to me to war. Thus, it can be easy to forget the true significance of this day. It is easy to celebrate Memorial Day and forget to mourn. It is easy to be thankful for the day off and neglect to be thankful for the sacrifice that has made it possible. Unless there is a grave upon which to place a flag and remember a loved one lost in service of his or her country, this day too often lacks significance.
The day was not intended to honor only those most close to us. It is intended to honor all who gave the ultimate sacrifice for country—for the freedom we so often take for granted.
Let this be a Memorial Day of true remembrance and sincere gratitude. As the bible tells us: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13, NIV). How much greater a love one must show in laying down his or her life for the one’s he or she does not know?
Some Gave All*
“I knew a man called him Sandy Kane few folks even knew his name
But a hero yes was he
He left a boy came back a man still many just don’t understand
About the reasons we are free
I can’t forget the look in his eyes or the tears he cried
As he said these words to me
All gave some some gave all
Some stood through for the red white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me think of all your liberties
And recall some gave all
Now Sandy Kane is no longer here but his words are oh so clear
As they echo throughout our land
For all his friends who gave us all who stood the ground and took the fall
To help their fellow man
Love your country live with pride and don’t forget those who died
America can’t you see
All gave some some gave all
Some stood through for the red white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me think of all your liberties
And recall some gave all
And if you ever think of me think of all your liberties
And recall yes recall some gave all some gave all”
*Writers: Cindy Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
Image source: http://www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/memorial-day/history/