“We remember not only the lives they gave, but the freedom their sacrifice still protects.” Sandi
MEMORIAL DAY. The Stories We Share. They matter.
As I sat as my desk this morning, reading all the posts from Memorial Day weekend, it shows that we do not take our freedom for granted. The stories we share, and the images we post, remind us about the cost of freedom.
I am always reminded of PE class, 1967. It was her first day back at school after the news of her brother being killed in Vietnam. I watched her face; the emotions of her heart reflected in her eyes. I was frightened, scared, and on the verge of tears.
My oldest brother, Jim, left for Vietnam the day after we received the news about her brother, Cary Smith. It was my first encounter with death in war. I will never forget.
It was the changing of innocence of a young girl, both for me and for her, to the realization of death and war.
When I think of her brother, even today, after so many years, it is still with raw pain.
I am thankful for those willing to put their life at risk for the sake of liberty and each Memorial Day, I am reminded of the ones who left us much too early and the families left behind with pain and heartache. I remember them with thankfulness for their sacrifice and their willingness to place themselves in harm’s way for the sake of our great country.
I’ve been studying a lot about Heaven. I can only imagine how sweet Heaven will be when we listen to the stories of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and hear them say, “It was worth it.”
The name, Memorial Day, says it all. Remember and honor those who gave their all. We will never forget.
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” John 15:13 (nlt).
Reflective Questions
As we pause to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country, consider these questions—not just to remember, but to truly understand and carry forward the meaning of their sacrifice:
- What does Memorial Day mean to you personally? Is it just a long weekend, or something deeper?
- Have you considered the cost of the freedoms we enjoy every day? What does that cost look like in the lives of the fallen and their families?
- How can you honor the memory of those who served and sacrificed—today and beyond today? Small acts of remembrance matter.
- Is there someone in your family or community whose story of service should be shared? Whose name or legacy deserves to be remembered?
- How can we teach the next generation the importance of remembering—not just celebrating—this day? What are we passing on?
- What does real gratitude look like in the way we live? Does our freedom shape our character, choices, and compassion?
- Have we done enough to support those who came home—and the families of those who didn’t? What more can we do?
Let’s Remember and Find Ways to Show Our Gratitude
Each Memorial Day, let’s remember with more than just flags and flowers. Let’s remember with gratitude, with action, and with purpose.
Let’s Pray
Our Father and Lord of all,
Today we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. Thank You for their courage, their sacrifice, and their legacy. Comfort their families and help us live in a way that honors their memory. May we never forget the cost of freedom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.— John 15:13 (NIV)
Resources for Gold Star Families
A Memorial Day Tribute by The Oasis Christian Church, “Memorial Day Tribute.“
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