“I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.” 2 Peter 1:15

Memorial Day is our nation’s sacred event to ensure that we do not forget those who have died and those who still serve to secure our liberty and justice for all. On this day we honor those men and women who bravely serve, both past and present. The famous Kohima Epitaph written by Major John Etty-Leal is a fitting tribute to those who died for our liberty:

Jesus said it this way, “Greater love has no man that this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). As Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifice that all our brave men and women in the armed forces make for this nation, this is also a perfect time to remind one another of the sacrifice “once for all” made by our Lord. We must not forget that it is because of Christ’s sacrifice that this nation was conceived. The Gospel was the motivation behind the creation of a government rooted in liberty and justice for all.

You will not hear much about the Gospel in our national observances of Memorial Day. That should not deter us as followers of Christ to remind our children and grandchildren of the truth about the greatest sacrifice ever made for mankind. Remind them of the faith of our Founding Fathers and Patriots like Patrick Henry who said, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

As you celebrate Memorial Day with your families, take time to remember, not only the sacrifice of our military men and women, but the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus that made it all possible.

GRANDPAUSE: To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian. –George Washington, Our First President