Tomorrow is Memorial Day, the day we are supposed to honor and remember all the men and women who have died in service to this Nation. But, in spite of the parade and the fireworks that some towns will have, most people will be either heading for a beach (Oops, in New Jersey it’s called the shore) or to a campground or to a sale.
Ever wanting us to spend more money, stores have advertised huge sales. Officials of all sorts, including the President, will lay wreaths at various sites, and veteran survivors of the conflicts and wars we have been in will wistfully remember their compatriots.
The honor we give should not be just to the dead but it should be for the many survivors who need continuing care as the result of their experiences in war. It should be more than a “Thank you for your service.” It should be making sure that we really honor our veterans through adequately funding the VA and its services.
Prayer for the Day
God of memories, old and new, beautiful and sad,
Grace us in this time with your presence in our lives;
God of broken hearts, mend us and heal us,
And enable us to embrace the future.
Set us free from what has bound us to the past
Freeing us to catch a glimpse of your kingdom.
In the name of the One who shows us how to live,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far beyond our poor power to add or detract.
Abraham Lincoln, President, from The Gettysburg Address (1809-1865)
Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.
George Washington, President (1732-1799)
I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; God’s greatness is unsearchable.
One generation shall laud your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works I will meditate.
The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed,
And I will declare your greatness.
Psalm 145: 1-6