Memorial Day

Memorial Day is the official National Holiday set aside to remember those who died while serving our country in the armed forces. My mom always called it Decoration Day. Growing up I remember it being the day that we took flowers to the cemetery for all of our family members. There were always American flags dotting the landscape of graves throughout the cemetary. Although Veterans Day in November is the official day to honor the service of all those in the military, many will pay tribute to all soldiers on Memorial Day. This holiday weekend also typically marks the end of school, beginning of summer vacation, picnics, parades and graduation parties. And of course here in Indiana we have the Indy 500.

This morning on Memorial Day I said goodbye to my soldier as I have so many times before. This time though he is not gone for long and he is not going overseas. He was home on leave this long holiday weekend in the midst of a 2-month class he is teaching. He will be home in less than five weeks and back to his civilian life and job. We still miss him though. It’s not the same when he isn’t here. I still pray for his safe travel, even though he’s only 10 hours away. I still smile when I see his face pop up on my phone as it’s ringing. I still tell him I love him and miss him every single day even though I can count the days until I see him again. And even though he’s not deployed, his military obligations will keep him away from special events in our daily lives. Last week he had to miss Gina’s 8th grade recognition night. He missed Mother’s Day and won’t be here for Father’s Day or our Church Picnic. But we are luckier than many military families. Many many soldiers in our countries history left home and never returned. Today my thoughts and prayers are with those families. They gave everything so that we could be free.

Dear Heavenly Father,
With a sober heart we come before You this Memorial Day.
We pause for a moment and call to mind
all the men and women who have died in the service of our nation.
Dear God, please look with mercy on our brave and selfless brothers and sisters,
who did not shirk from their task but gave themselves completely
to the cause of defending and protecting us all.
Bless all who have given their lives for the sake of liberty,
and grant them eternal rest with You.
We remember also our brave men and women now serving in our Armed Forces,
both at home and abroad.
Dear God, send out Your angels to protect them all.
Help them discharge their duties honorably and well.
Please bring them safely home to their families and loved ones.
Please bring Your peace and mercy to our troubled world.
We ask this, Father, in the name of Jesus, Your Son, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
~author unknown