Happy Monday. Happy “Decoration Day.” You may be wondering, “What’s that?” Decoration Day was the original name for Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for United States soldiers who died in military service.
Beginning in the middle of the nineteenth century, it became customary to decorate the graves of those fallen brave men. At any place where crowds gathered, there were people selling small, red paper poppies for ten cents. When a poppy was purchased, it was placed on the buyer’s lapel or in another prominent place. This signified the blood that was spilled on foreign fields.
I am glad that this day has continued to be celebrated and remembered through these years. Surely these heroes deserve a day when thought and gratitude is bestowed on them. Yes, it is okay to have fun and to enjoy the holiday. Meanwhile, why not fly a flag or take some time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our nation free?
Memorial Day makes me think of the many people who have been a part of who I have become. Thinking of this makes me feel so grateful and so humbled. Just two days ago, I attended an event where I had the great joy of talking with a lady with whom I had gone to Sunday school and church decades ago when we were both children. My heart was warmed as we remembered the names of so many who had invested in our lives. I owe it to them to remember them and to be thankful for their faithfulness. They all have gone on to Heaven now, but I can say “thank you” by trying to fill their shoes when possible. I fear that we are often negligent to keep in our memories those who have influenced and mentored us. We must resolve to fix this!
God said so much to the Israelites about remembering as they were entering a new place, the long awaited Promised Land. Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget… (Deuteronomy 4:9) Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations:… (Deuteronomy 32:7)
“Precious mem’ries, how they linger,
How they ever flood my soul;
In the stillness of the midnight,
Precious, sacred scenes unfold.”
– by Lonnie B. Combs and J. B. F. Wright
by Beverly Hyles
From the Mondays with Beverly blog. Reprinted with permission.