Leadership Thought: How
Will You Celebrate Memorial Day in a Way That Recognizes Its Meaning?
Dear Friends,
I am late in sending this Leadership Thought, but
I am early in suggesting what you should do after reading it.
This Monday we will
celebrate Memorial Day. To me it is one of the most important calendar days of
our year, and yet sadly, for many who celebrate it, it has become just
another day off, an excuse for parties and family get togethers.
Every year I was a high school history
teacher, I always showed my classes the first twenty minutes of the movie Saving
Private Ryan to visually communicate to them the read cost that was paid
for our freedom, a freedom which resulted in the loss of thousands of lives as
our fighting forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, Omaha, Juno, Utah and
Gold.
Although I was never in the armed forces, I
have a great appreciation for those who have served. My dad was a colonel in
the army, my brother-in-law was a captain in the Marine Corp, and I have many
close friends who served and risked their lives in Viet Nam.
Today, whenever I see someone in uniform, I am
quick to express my thanks to them. I am truly grateful for those who
have served and are serving today.
As we gather this Monday to celebrate this
holiday, let me encourage you to take time to think, talk, and pray for those
men and women who have served or who are presently serving in our nation's
armed forces.
I send this devotional two days ahead of
Memorial Day in hopes that you will take time to prepare your hearts to
celebrate this significant day in a way that honors its true meaning.
To help you do this, I have included a message
below, as well as a six-minute video to watch. I warn you ahead that you might
need a box of Kleenex around as you watch it.
Yours in faith and friendship,
Tom
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by Mara Rose
Memorial Day often signifies the start of summer. Maybe it’s a day to
find good deals at a furniture store or car dealership. Some might even
look forward to having a day off of work, grilling outdoors with family
or friends, and maybe catching a baseball game.
But
what is Memorial Day really about?
I am a proud military wife to an American soldier. Each year I develop a
deeper appreciation for this holiday because of the many sacrifices our
military makes for our freedom.
This year it takes on a new meaning for me - along with many others that
have ever lost a loved one in the service. We’ve stood at the grave site
of a fallen soldier. We’ve seen the American flag draped over the coffin.
We’ve watched as their brothers in arms carried the casket. We’ve shed
heartbroken tears at the funeral of a veteran, brother, daughter or
friend. And we have felt the unbelievable pain from loss.
Today
is the day that we honor the memory of all our service members that are
no longer with us today!
Memorial Day is separate and very distinct from other holidays like
Veteran’s Day - although they do have similarities. So, what is the
difference?
According to PBS, “Since the earliest ceremonies in small American towns
following the Civil War, we have gathered on Memorial Day to honor and
remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
As in those early days of laying wreaths and placing flags, our National
Day of Remembrance is often felt most deeply among the families and
communities who have personally lost friends and loved ones. The mission
of Memorial Day is to reach out in support of all the soldiers and their
families who have sacrificed so much for us.”
On this day, we pay our respects and give thanks for those that have
passed away on the battlefield and at home. It is a day dedicated to
recognizing the men and women that served and paid the ultimate
sacrifice.
So before you start the grill and prepare your famous potato salad for
the Memorial Day cookout - pray for the families and loved ones that are
missing someone at their picnic table today. Pray for the ones that have
lost someone special and might be hurting today.
In light of those that given so much and lost their lives for our
freedom, what can we do to support the families left behind and other
living veterans?
1. Honor and remember those that have gone before us. Visit
a war memorial in your area. Place flowers at the grave or honor their
memory by paying your respects with family members of the fallen.
2. Donate your time, talents or resources to local reputable
veteran organizations. Find an organization that
honors and advocates for veterans and families that have lost loved in
service to their nation. Some families will often hold a bake sale,
cookout, and other events to help offset financial costs or raise
awareness for veterans. Genuine support and reverence really go a long
way.
3. Support local Honor Flights. These flights
provide the opportunity for older Veterans of WWII, Korean and Vietnam
Wars to visit the national memorials to remember their fallen comrades.
Check to see if there are Honor Flights in your area.
4. Volunteer at a cemetery or visit a Veteran home. You
can volunteer to lay flowers or flags at a veteran or local cemetery.
Maybe visit the aging Veterans in your communities to hear them tell
their stories. Also check the VA website for specific Memorial Day needs
by state.
5. Fly an American flag at your home or wear patriotic colors. Keep
in mind that flags are typically flown at half-staff today in honor of
the service members. Also, if you see a flag that is damaged or not
displayed correctly, please kindly inform the business or neighbor so
they may properly show respect. Learn more about properly displaying the
flag with the American Legion.
Providing real and tangible support now may even help prevent further
loss of our nation’s finest before next Memorial Day. Your support can
make a difference in the lives of those who are still serving today.
Remember to thank God for the brave men and women that gave us all the
freedom to enjoy simple luxuries like outdoor picnics and a Monday off
work. Thank God for all of those that have served and are currently
serving today.
Watch a video featuring “The True Meaning of Memorial Day”,
featuring a song that will always bring me to tears, “Amazing Grace”.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or
mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
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