Tomorrow marks the national observance of Memorial Day, but most of you already knew that. I wonder how many people will look at it as just another holiday, or a day off work, forgetting what they were supposed to remember on this day. And what are we supposed to remember? We are supposed to stop and remember those who have died in service of our country. Yet, the remembrance usually goes further. In churches throughout the country, we will recognize all who have served in the military. Many will visit the cemetery to place flowers on the grave of a loved one who has died. Whether or not that person served in the military, it is a sobering time of reflection.
Andy Mead inadvertently helped me to remember this week. After rotor-tilling our garden, he stopped to chat for a few minutes. One thing he talked about was a past trip to Washington DC and Gettysburg. There is something unique about standing near a battlefield and hearing about the war that raged there. As you visit those historical sites and villages, you hear stories of soldiers and battles of an earlier time. It has been several years since I have seen those battlefields, but I can still remember the trips I have taken there.
Though the battlefields of Virginia are more hilly than our area, I can’t help but look over the fields surrounding the church and wonder what went through the minds of the troops in the Gettysburg area as they marched on and entered into battle. There must have been a strange mixture of pride and fear.
Throughout the years, people have fought for what they believe in, and the price of our freedom has been extremely high. I encourage you all to thank those who have served our country in the military. Let’s honor their sacrifice. ...And today, let us celebrate one of the freedoms they fought for and defended, the freedom to gather for worship of God Almighty!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
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