“What does Memorial Day mean to you?”

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Tonk Talk 

What does Memorial Day mean to you - the beginning of summer vacation, bar-b-ques in the back yard, family get-togethers, the running of the Indianapolis 500? All kinds of things happen this holiday weekend.

But it would be good for us to pause and think about what Memorial Day really means, for its very name, "Memorial Day," calls us to remember.

This day that has been set aside for Memorial Day started near the end of the Civil War. Some people in the South decided to place flowers on the graves of soldiers who had given their lives for the Confederacy. By 1868 the practice of placing flowers on graves had spread both north and south and was being called by almost everyone, "Decoration Day." Then, after WW 1 it became a nationally recognized Memorial holiday when our country pauses to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms that we enjoy in this country.

We understand by doing this that living in this country is a wonderful privilege, and it came this way because a tremendous price was paid by many who gave their lives that we might live in this land and enjoy the privileges that are ours.  We need to remember that. (Adapted from a sermon by MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER BROWNSVILLE, TX).

As important as it is to remember those who gave their lives so we in America can enjoy the freedoms we have we also need to realize there is something else even more important to remember.  2 Tim. 2:8 tells, “Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel.”  Paul is reminding us that Christ is human (seed of David) and fully God who was raised from the dead.  This is essential for us as Christians to always remember and never forget.

I hope this weekend as we enjoy the beginning of summer activities we will pause and remember those individuals who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom in the United States.  But most of all I hope we each remember the love, sacrifice, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and remember Him each day we have the breath of life. 

Written by Mark T. Tonkery

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