In a few days, Americans will observe Memorial Day.

When I was young, there were certain things that happened in conjunction with Memorial Day.  Many would put screens back on their windows after winterizing them a few months before, white shoes and clothes were brought back out, and grills were pulled out for the firs time that year.  We do not do all of those things today, but this is still considered the “official” start of summer.”

What will your Memorial Day weekend look like?

Many forget the true reason we observe it or give a slight nod toward that meaning.  Most seem more interested in gaining a 3-day weekend.  War seems distant since television coverage makes it seem more like a movie tale than a reality.

But we are still in tumultuous times.  There are real dangers that must be faced.  And well over one million of our military men and women have died in service – for us.

We must remember.

Way back in 1955, Billy Graham spoke at an event in Boston for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  What he said then needs to be remembered today: “The freedoms we enjoy, the freedoms we take so much for grated, the freedoms we so often trifle with were bought not by the gold of our millionaires, nor altogether the genius of our scientists, nor the sacrifices of the people eat home, but primary by the blood, sweat, and agony of those whose names on this day we honor – those who died that we might live!”

Jesus also reminded us of the great honor owed to those who put their lives on the line.  In John 15:13, He said, “‘No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.’”

As Americans, we must remember and honor those who died for our benefit.  We should pray for the families who lost those they love and for peace that seems so distant.  We should live out of gratitude.

We also must remember and honor the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus paid because of our sins so that we could be free and have the opportunity to be saved.  We should live out of gratitude and share the hope that changed us.

Remembering is the right thing to do.

When Israel was saved from slavery in Egypt after the Passover and plague events, God told them to never forget.  We read in Exodus 12:14:  “‘This day is to be a memorial for you, and you must celebrate it as a festival to the LORD.  You are to celebrate it throughout your generations as a permanent statue.’”

Enjoy this time with friends and family.  But do not forget.  And pledge to live in a way that honors those who died for you.