Memorial Day!

Most of us slept late today because we had the day off. Memorial Day to many is the unofficial beginning of summer, but do you really understand the meaning of Memorial Day. Memorial Day is the day that we as a nations have set aside to remember those who have died serving our nation and defending our freedom. I am a patriotic person, I love America and I make it a point to thank those that I see in public in uniform, but I have never fought one second for the freedom of this nation, however, I do feel obligated to honor those who have. Several years ago I was in the Dallas-Ft. Worth with Bishop Gary Burd, who by the way is finishing a two week bike ride across the country in Washington DC with several thousand bikers and war veterans. Gary, his wife, Carolyn and I met up for lunch at Chilis in the airport. There were maybe two or three dozen soliders in the restaurant and at the end of our meal Gary asked our waiter for all the bills for the soliders. That's right he took care of the meal for every single solider in the place. That made such an impression on me. Though I dont see myself buying meals for 30-35 soliders anytime soon I determined that day that I would not allow anyone in uniform to pass me by without thanking them for their service. What a small price to pay to thank someone who has offered their life to ensure that my family and I can be safe. I often think about Tommy Harris, a gentleman in our church when I was growing up who lost one of his legs in war. I remember as a teenager going to help Tommy do work in his yard and seeing his determination to move around his yard and do what he could with one leg, which often hurt him beyond belief. His attitude and personality was never one of pity or complaining but was always cheerful and joking. I think about the men and women who did not die in Vietnam but are currently dying as a result of the agent orange they were exposed to while there fighting for our freedom. These men and women as well as many others are deserving of our honor for their sacrifice.

Recently we took 48 people from our student ministry to Washington DC for a youth conference. While we were there we visited a number of monuments and landmarks, including Arlington National Cemetery. We all made the hike to the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. I had been there 19 years ago when I was in the 6th grade and had the opportunity to lay a wreath at the tomb. There was so much about this experience that I didnt remember. Experiencing the Tomb of the Unknown Solider as well as the changing of the guard is something that sticks with you forever. Several hundred people gathered that morning to watch something that happens every single day. What an incredible way to honor a solider that died fighting for our country yet for whatever reason was never reunited with their family.