"It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country, in defense of us, in wars afar away. The imagination plays a trick. We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the Founding Fathers, grave and gray-haired. But most of them were boys when they died, and they gave up two lives, the one they were living and the one they would have lived. When they died, they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave up their chance to be revered old men. They gave up everything for our country, for us. And all we can do is remember." - Ronald Reagan
It began on April 19, 1775 at the battle of Lexington and Concord. It was this famous revolutionary battle that was preceded by the midnight ride of Paul Revere and made immortal by the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, who wrote:
"By the rude bridge that arched the flood
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled
Here once the embattled farmers stood
And fired the shot heard round the world."
The battle of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of America's war for independence. It was then the blood of the first American patriots was spilled. From that day until this, many of our men and women have willingly given their lives for the cause of freedom – in many wars, on many continents, with varying degrees of support from the home front.
Today, in the Middle East, thousands of United States soldiers are fighting to protect the values and freedoms that we too often take for granted. Please continue to pray for spiritual healing for our nation, wisdom for our leaders, and safety for our soldiers fighting overseas. Also, in honor of Memorial Day, please take a moment to thank our military veterans and those in active military service for risking their lives for the cause of freedom.
Memorial Day has passed, yet the war continues. The battle is not only made by the men and women in uniform, although theirs is a very visual struggle; the battle is fought every day by each of us as we lay down our own lives and put ourselves aside in the protection and nurture of our families and our communities. The battle continues every day for the souls of men and women for whom Christ died. As we walk on from Memorial Day into the summer, let's continue to remember those who have gone before us, and be inspired to love as they have loved, giving the last full measure of devotion to those causes that deserve it.
Related Links:
• Strategic Trends: America's Challenge - Koinonia House