Memorial Day is much more than a day off from work to have cookouts and parties.

The ultimate price:

Memorial Day is the day we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives protecting our country and our freedoms. The Civil War claimed the lives of 620,000 American soldiers. (Some believe it was many more than that.) This is more than from any conflict in our nation’s history. When the war ended in 1865, there was a need to establish the nation’s first national cemeteries for those who paid, with their lives, the ultimate price to serve and protect their nation.

Decoration Day:

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was a day to decorate the graves of our fallen men and women who paid the ultimate price with their lives. General John A. Logan, on May 5, 1868, called for a nationwide day of remembering and decorating with flowers the graves of those who died in defense of their country.

Memorial Day:

After World War I, Decoration Day became known as Memorial Day, and the holiday expanded to honor all American military personnel who died in any way. As we prepare to enjoy our 3-day weekend, let’s all pause and take a moment to pray for those whose husband, wife, brother, sister, child didn’t make it back from war. Let’s pause and thank God for this country and ask that He would have mercy on us.

Let’s take a moment to pray and be thankful for all those men and women who fought for this nation.

Just a thought,

PSS