Memorial Day 2014

Psalm 135:13 “Thy name, O Lord, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O Lord, throughout all generations.”

The first Webster’s Dictionary gives the definition of MEMO'RIAL, [Latin - memorialis,] as Preservative of memory. That which preserves the memory of something; any thing that serves to keep in memory. A monument is a memorial of a deceased person, or of an event. The Lord's supper is a memorial of the death and sufferings of Christ. The Hebrew word - כֶר  ‘zeker’ means ‘recollection and commemoration’.

Looking on the internet, I read that Memorial Day is a United States Federal holiday, where in the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces are remembered. The holiday, which is celebrated every year on the final Monday of May, was formerly known as “Decoration Day” and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service. In this fallen world, 'Freedom' does not come for free, and 'Freedom' must be maintained at a price; 'Freedom' from the power or control of another; liberty; exemption from slavery, servitude or confinement. 

Acts 10:4 “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.”

This day is also an annual ‘Decoration Day’ at particular cemeteries in some rural areas of the American South and Mid-West. Family members visit graveyards where remote ancestors, as well as those who were deceased more recently, are buried. This is true with both my relatives in Missouri and my wife’s family in Iowa, in honor of beloved ancestors and the memory of our blessed heritage, headstones and markers for antecedent family members out of pure love and respect. People gather on the designated day and put flowers on graves and renew contacts with kinfolk and others. This may take on the character of an extended family reunion to which some people travel hundreds of miles to attend and participate. 

Hosea 12:5-6 “Even the Lord God of hosts; the Lord is his memorial. Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment and wait on thy God continually.”

Memorial Day is truly full of meaning and purpose. Have a blessed day as your celebrate to “preserve your memories”.

In Christ, Brian