Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid. Don’t be discouraged. God, your God is with you every step you take! Joshua 1:9
Remember this and be assured. Remember the former things long past for I am God and there is no other; I am God and there is no one like me. Isaiah 46:8-9
Memorial Day is being celebrated today, and it is important that we as a nation set aside this day to honor those who gave their all. The holiday was first observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Although New York was the first state to celebrate the day in 1873, by 1890 all the northern states recognized the holiday.
Sadly traditional observance of the holiday has diminished over the years. Many Americans have forgotten its meaning and tradition, and at many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored or forgotten.
There are some who are continuing to honor American’s finest who gave everything they had. The 3rd US Infantry dutifully places flags on each of the 260,000 graves at Arlington Cemetery every year. Then, they patrol the area to make sure that each of the flags remain standing. The US 3rd Infantry known as the Old Guard also stands watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier twenty-four seven in all kinds of weather.
It is disturbing to know that the generations who are ignoring these heroic men and women are the ones who will be running our country in years to come. How can we forget to remember those who gave so much?
The men and women who risked their lives on our behalf are always eager to be very clear about what matters most to them, and they tell it to their loved ones. Special forces Master Sergeant Kelly Hornbeck who was killed in action in South Samarra wrote these words to his parents, ” I am not afraid and neither should either of you be, for I trust in my God and my training, two powerful forces that cannot be measured.”
Citizenship in a country presents each of us with certain rights but also duties. Freedom in a country like ours is never free but rather has rested on the sacrifice of countless men and women that came before us. In ancient Rome when a city was conquered, the Romans sent other citizens to spread the culture, customs, and manner of life and laws into that city or country. Likewise, as Christians, we should be sent out to teach the customs, culture, and laws of Jesus. In Philippians 3:20, we hear ” Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, our Lord Jesus Christ.”
On May 26, 2003, the president of the United States closed his address to those present in Arlington, Virginia with a remembrance of Army Ranger Captain Russell Rippetoe who was laid to rest. He shared how valiantly he gave his life and served with distinction and purpose in “Operation Iraqi Freedom” earning him the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
At Captain Russell Rippetoe’s funeral, his father Lieutenant Colonel Joe Rippetoe, gave the farewell salute at the grave of his only son. During that farewell, he read what was on his son’s dog tags saying that this had given him great comfort. The words are from Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded thee be strong and of good courage? Be not afraid neither be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This was the promise of God to Joshua when he was commissioned by the Lord to fight God’s battles in Israel. Captain Rippetoe trusted in this promise as he gave his life for the protection of this nation whose motto is “In God We Trust.”
As we remember those who have given their lives in the service of this country and those who will continue to give their lives for this great nation, we can rest assured that they will be enlisted in the noble company of those who were strong and courageous and did not back away from their call and duty to the United States of America.
God bless you every one.
❤️🇺🇸❤️