“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 NIV

Today is Memorial Day. We think of a long weekend when we visit family, or have a picnic, or grill hamburgers and hot dogs, or watch fireworks, or just welcome in the unofficial beginning of summer. What did you do this Memorial Day weekend?

But Memorial Day actually started around 1865 and was originally called Decoration Day. It was a day to remember all of the Americans who had fought and died in the Civil War in the United States. In 1971 it became an official Federal holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May. On Memorial Day we remember and honor all those men and women who fought in various past wars and served in the military.

In our Bible verse, Jesus tells us that there is no greater love than the love of someone who gives up his or her life for another. On Memorial Day we honor and remember all those who loved greatly and gave their lives for each of us, for our future. We also honor and thank all of those veterans who also loved greatly and willingly offered to lay down their lives for us by fighting in wars and battles for us.

Today, as you celebrate Memorial Day, remember to honor the men and women who fought for our freedom. Thank a veteran who served in the military. Do you know someone who served in the military? Maybe your parents know someone who was in the military. Show your appreciation for their service. You can make them a card, or draw them a picture, or write a thank you note, or just give them a hug and say thank you.

Blessings as you bless a veteran!