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

Memorial Day was started in 1865 after the Civil War and was originally called Decoration Day. It was a day to remember all those who gave their lives in battle. More Americans were killed in the Civil War than any other war or conflict. In 1971, Memorial Day became an official Federal Holiday.

Today I want to thank God for each and every man and woman that loved others enough to offer to lay down their lives for us. I want to take time to honor and remember all those heroes who paid the ultimate price for us, for our country. Those who laid down their own lives for their country and its future, and for all generations to come. I also want to say thank you and give honor to all our veterans who served, who fought for us, who loved greatly.

I am sure each of us has a family member who served or knows someone who was in the military. My dad was in the Navy during the Korean War. Both of my brothers served on Navy subs during “peace” time. My father-in-law served on a destroyer during World War II. Every veteran deserves our honor and a heart-felt thank you.

This week, as we celebrate Memorial Day with vacations and picnics, fireworks and trips to visit family, let’s all take time to remember and honor those who served and fought to allow us the opportunities and freedoms we enjoy. Take time to say a prayer for a fallen hero. Take time to thank a veteran you know. Remember those who loved greatly and laid down their lives for us. Honor those who loved greatly and served for us and our future.

I thank God for each of you! And a special thank you to all the men and women who loved greatly and served! And I thank you for joining me today to as we remember and honor all who served on this Memorial Day.

Blessings and remembrance!