MONDAY May 25, 2020
Memorial Day
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:1
Historically, in 1868, Memorial Day was first called Decorations Day. It was a day to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. In the Arlington National Cemetery, at least 5,000 people gathered at the grave site of over 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers. They respectfully decorated each grave. Later, the day was changed and called Memorial Day. It became a day to honor all of our men and women who died in war.
Memorial Day became an official holiday in 1971. It was traditionally observed on May 30, but now it is on the last Monday in May, making the observance a three-day weekend. Most people appreciate an extra day off from work and cherish the quality family time. This day is also seen to mark the beginning of summer.
Due to the health concerns of Covid-19, the 2020 parade has been cancelled in Washington D.C. Instead, there will be televised a National Memorial Day Parade: Stand Tall America. We should never forget the wonderful freedoms we enjoy in America. They are a direct result of the unselfish sacrifices of men and women who willingly died while serving their country. America is known as “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” It is important to honor our fallen heroes.
Freedom is not free––someone has to pay the ultimate price. Those who have lost loved ones feel that every day is a Memorial Day. Think about the freedoms we have gained as Christians. Death and sin have been defeated by Christ who paid the ultimate price by dying on the Cross for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). Christ defeated death! Are you enjoying the freedoms won by Christ, or are you still living in bondage to your sin?
Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet anchor of your liberties, write its precepts in your hearts, and practice them in your lives.
~Ulysses S. Grant~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
