MEMORIAL DAY

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Poignant words found in John 15:13 spoken by the one who understood personal sacrifice for others like no one else ever had nor ever will.

Across America many different scenes are unfolding at this very moment. On the one hand, families and individuals are gathering supplies, preparing grills and looking forward to a day of fun and activities. They will enjoy the freedom gained and protected by the blood, sweat and tears of those fallen in defense of this nation.  On the other hand, there are millions who are gathering flowers, pouring over photos and feeling a very personal sting of loss of a loved one, especially those who are just days, weeks or months from the tragic moment of loss.

Working and living part-time in Washington D.C. offers me a unique experience and framework for this special day. As I headed to the airport on my way home to Florida a couple of days ago there were already many people on the National Mall starting the Memorial Day preparations. I saw a group of ROTC in uniform standing around a flag while being instructed by their leader, and just a few yards away, a family preparing to have a picnic. There were groups of veterans on motorcycles beginning their weekend-long rides through the city. Overhead, two Blue and White Hueys thundered above, transporting  Washington power players to their destination, as I watched with special appreciation as we passed by the WW2 Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. Crossing the Potomac headed to Reagan National, I could easily see the Pentagon, the towering 9/11 Memorial and off in the distance, Arlington Cemetery. I felt a mix of emotions as I prayed for this nation and for those who have died defending it.

Deuteronomy 6:12 begins with these though-provoking words: “be careful that you do not forget…” solemn words of caution. On this day our nation pauses to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. “Greater love” calls for greater remembrance. For mothers who wipe a tear, grandparents whose hearts are troubled, grieving wives, children, friends and fellow soldiers of those who are now gone, we pray for your comfort: “The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace”. And for those whose lives were laid down for the freedoms we celebrate this day, we pray: “Lord, receive into Your care those who in dedication to this nation have expressed greater love by laying down their lives. Amen.” Blessed are You o Lord our God, who brings peace to a humble heart, now grant Your peace to all cities and nations of this world and most especially, to Jerusalem. Amen.