A Living Memorial
Americans, like the ancient Druids, Greeks, and Romans realized the value of paying tribute to its war dead. It was an acknowledgment of gratitude to those who had died serving their country in defense of what they valued as truth. Here in America the day is called “Memorial Day.” The practice sprung up after the end of the (un)Civil War. Exactly where and when is disputed. Various communities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. Places such as Columbus, Georgia, Vicksburg, Mississippi, Lynchburg, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina.
Boalsburn, Pennsylvania, a small village in the central part of the state has a sign declaring, “Boalsburg, an American village, birthplace of Memorial Day.”
In 1967 President Johnson issued a resolution officially naming Waterloo, New York as “the birthplace of Memorial Day.”
Regardless of where it began it established a day to pause and pay tribute to defenders of truth.
Over the years America’s finest youth have dedicated themselves to serve our nation in various branches of the military with the resolve to defend and to protect it. Of them it has been said “All gave some, some gave all.” Without their love for and commitment to the principles that made America great, the hoards that disgrace our national dignity would not be free to riot and degrade our institutions. They are antithetical to those whose valor has enabled such freedom. May their anarchy not destroy their own freedom and weaken America.
Our gratitude demands a day of memory. From it comes inspiration to commit ourselves to honor those who paid the ultimate price. On such a meaningful day pause and thank God for our heritage.
Some mock the idea and scoff at those who do. They call attention to the flaws in our history while overlooking our many attributes. I saw a bumper sticker recently that gives hope: “America, she ain’t perfect, but we ain’t through with her yet.” Pray that such be true.
We each should evidence the spirit of William Procter, co-founder of Procter and Gamble. The day after he died the “New York Times” devoted nearly a page to a summary of his remarkable success, his wholesome character, and his faith. The story was highlighted by a picture of him about four columns wide in the top center of the page. Under it these words: “Whatsoever things are pure.”
He had enthrone Christ in the seat of Sovereignty in his life. For us to do this we need to be able to pray with Jesus, “Not my will, but Thy will be done.”
“If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?” Psalms 11: 3.