Why Do I Remember?
Looking across the vast expanse of grave sites, I thought that for every solidier laid to rest in Arlington there were family members whose lives were forever changed by the death of their loved one laid to rest in that beautiful cemetery. No doubt, there was a story that went with every grave, but barring the famous ones laid to rest there, the stories of those buried were lost as soon as there was no one left who remembered.
God knew we needed to remember. Memorials give us context and create the link from the past to the present and onto the future. God provided the rainbow for Noah and his family, a covenant of remembrance of his provision when the earth was decimated by the flood. He also told the Israelites to set aside days to commemorate his covenant with them, and so holidays such as the Passover are still celebrated today.
Memorial Day provides a sacred time for Americans to recall the sacrifices of the past so that those sacrifices are neither forgotten nor have to be repeated. We should all enjoy the celebrations and parades, marking the day in a way that only Americans can. However, we should also steal a moment to reflect and remember. Were it not for the sacrifices of many, the freedom to remember publicly and celebrate our faith, the American story might not be ours. Let’s the remember the story of unfailing love.
Psalms 71:16-19 says, “ I will dwell on your mighty acts, my Lord. Lord, I will help others remember nothing but your righteous deeds. You’ve taught me since my youth, God, and I’m still proclaiming your wondrous deeds! So, even in my old age with gray hair, don’t abandon me, God! Not until I tell generations about your might arm, tell all who are yet to come about your strength (CEB).
Let us remember the sacrifices made for our nation and our freedoms. And, let us tell the story again and again
– TH –