Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 ESV
Today is set aside as a holiday. We typically count it as a long weekend and time to spend with family and friends. For many it is the signal that summer is now here. But this last Monday in May is Memorial Day, a day to take time to remember the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country, they laid down their lives for us.
Memorial Day was first observed in 1868, after the Civil War. It was a time to remember all those who died in our war with our own brothers and sisters in the United States. It was originally called Decoration Day because women would decorate the graves of those killed in the Civil War with flowers.
It wasn’t until after World War I that the name was changed to Memorial Day. And it was now a time to recognize all who died in wars fighting for our country and us, not just the Civil War dead. In 1971 it became a Federal holiday, meaning a day off of work and school.
Today, as we enjoy the day off with family and friends, let’s also take some time to remember and honor those who have laid down their lives for us and our way of life. Accept their “great love” and honor their sacrifice.
I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we celebrate Memorial Day by remembering and honoring those who sacrificed it all.
Blessings and peace in remembrance and honor!
Peggy Writes 
It’s an important day, for sure. I think the sentiments behind this day should be recalled every day so we don’t forget the sacrifices of those who died to allow us to live in a democracy. These are fraught times indeed, and with so much uncertainty and so much at stake, it would do all of us well to keep in mind what we have is worth protecting from those who would see it die.
As far as I know, no one in my family has died in a war except for a disrtant relative on my mom’s side who was killed in WWI. May we all remember the hereos today (and every day).
Wonderful post, Peggy. Hope you’re doing well, my friend. 😊
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Thank you for commenting, Mike, and you are so right! It should be an every day remembrance. I believe my mom had a cousin that died in WW II, but no one else that I know of in my family.
My dad was in the Navy during the Korean War and both my brothers were on Navy subs in the late 80’s -90’s. All survived well, thank the Lord!
I am doing well, hope you are also well! Blessings, my friend!
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I know I had ancestors who served in WW2… Which u thought so strange coming from the West Indies. But once I understood that Trinidad was a strategic military outpost for the Allies to combat German submarine activity, it made sense. My mom has shared tales about warships in the harbor and soldiers practically taking over the city. Great share, Peggy.
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Thank you, Nigel, never knew that about the West Indies. Thanks for sharing! Pretty neat when our family members have ties to history.
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It was my pleasure to read and to add my two pennies. Good stuff as always, Peggy.
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