It's the time of year when we celebrate the those who gave their lives so this could remain The Land of the Free.
Most of the time we take all this for granted, as if freedom were our natural right.
Not true. Freedom carries a terrible price tag.
On Memorial Day we count the cost in lives. For once we take a sober look at the truth.
Every headstone represents a person who lived, someone with a family who still grieves the loss of this life.
These individuals died so you and I could walk around without fear.
Their families lost someone dear to them so our Nation's government could continue to function as it has from the beginning. Now as then, you and I are absolutely free to vote for whomever we choose as our President–and all other lawmakers–in every level of government.
Free to worship God as we choose. Free to live where we choose. Free to send our children to whatever school(s) we choose and can afford.
Those who died to preserve these rights were–and are–heroes. They deserve the ceremonies and the flags that fly on their graves in military cemeteries all across the world.
Ever wondered how all those flags "magically" get placed every Memorial Day?
Here in the United States credit almost always goes to local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and Brownie troops.
Placing flags fits right in with Scouting goals. They want to build character and help develop citizens who participate, rather than sit on the sidelines.
Scouting couldn't exist without the moms and dads who support leaders and kids in so many ways.
Kneeling at graves and placing flags can be a significant experience. For at least a little while these youngsters will think of the bravery and sacrifice of those who died.
As for the rest of us, why not speak our thanks to these young people? And their parents? And their troop leaders?
Kids need heroes. So do we all
Especially now, when cynicism is running wild among us.
Late-night comics and talking heads endlessly slice-and-dice this individual and that one, over and over. Everyone is fair game, from the President on down.
Such critics get praise for their "wit" and "remarkable insights."
Do any of them–or do we–ever stop to think that it's a privilege–a precious gift–to be able to speak their minds? Or for us to listen to any speaker we want? Or watch any TV channel or webcast that fits our whim of the moment? Or read any newspaper or book we fancy?
All of it without fear someone will find out and report us?
You and I did not earn these rights ourselves. They did.
Memorial Day reminds us who we are
It seems to me we value being Americans too cheaply. We are a Nation birthed out of courage by those who risked everything to bring these United States into being.
Our founding fathers cared enough to fight for our liberty as a people.
Every individual who gave their life to preserve that liberty is proof the courage of those early patriots lives on.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, U.S. President during most of World War II, said,
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear."
How can you and I show courage and be a blessing now?
We can focus on what's right and good. We can speak well of our Nation and its leaders. We can stand for what's true and honorable in whom and what we applaud and reject what is not.
Like the Scouts, we can participate, rather than sit on the sidelines and carp.
That may include teaching the great old patriotic songs and poems–and the Pledge of Allegiance–to our children and grandchildren. (Never assume they automatically learn them in school.)
Why would I say that? Because I sing with a chorus and we almost always close with a patriotic song such as "God Bless America," or "The National Anthem." We see the same thing every time we perform. When invited to sing along, most adults–especially seniors–know every word.
Children, teens and many young adults usually remain silent. If asked why, they answer, "Because I don't know the words."
What more can we do to be a blessing?
When we spot a veteran or a current member of the Armed Forces, we can say, "Thank you for your service and for keeping our country free!"
Most of all, we can pray for our leaders and affirm what is good.
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. –1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV
Whatever our personal life challenges may be, we can pray for guidance and strength and trust God's goodness.
Good times or hard, God is with us
We can take God's word to His people–and us–seriously, as recorded in Joshua 1:9.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." NIV
Surely God's hand of blessing has been on these United States from the beginning. We do well to remember that, especially in this time when our nation seems so divided from within while dangers lurks on all sides.
Even as we honor those who gave their lives to keep these United States free, we thank God for His goodness.
If we keep that mindset and profess the faith and confidence within us, we will be remembered as people who made our own small world a better place, just by being alive.
God bless America!
Lenore
