Memorial Day - a day to remember

Memorial Day, that uniquely American holiday, comes with some baggage. We see it as just another day off from work; or an opportunity for the family to get together for a picnic at the lake; or the first true picnic for the summer; or the first day of summer vacation time; or a hundred other ways that we can think of to consume the special hours that are ours to spend.

The Indy 500 use to be raced on Memorial Day, but now it is held on the Sunday before. I can remember one Memorial Day in Nashville, cleaning our VW Bug (white with Sun Roof and pop-out windows) inside and out while listening to the race over the radio.

Originally it was called Decoration Day – where everyone flew the American Flag with great pride and took time to pause offering a prayer of thanks for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice as a member of our armed services. Communities would hold parades, bands would march and floats would carry veterans from previous military conflicts. Then the community would gather at statues erected in honor/memory of those who served the country in WWI, WWII, Korean Conflict and Vietnam. Red, white and blue wreaths would be laid and small American flags would decorate the graves of any man or woman who had served our country in uniform. But, alas, traditions change.

Now the emphasis is on grilling, waterskiing and “getting” away … it is one of the heaviest traveled weekends in our nation. We might … just might … give a passing thought to those who died while defending our freedom … but it is not the major occupation of our activities for this day off of work. I do wonder if at some point in the future there will come along those who will attempt to re-write our history books resulting in re-naming this day once again – moving it further away from a day of remembrance. Oh, because of some very dedicated individuals and families, the graves are still decorated with small American flags and floral wreaths are still laid in memory of those who died while defending our country, but the parades are starting to die away. Our emphasis is starting to shift.

If you have ever attended a funeral service for anyone who has served our country you just might have heard a bugle piece played called TAPS. It was played today at the beginning of the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coke 600. Much to the surprise of many there are lyrics which are a part of this sad sounding song with a deep rich meaning. The overriding message is that all is well because we are in God’s hands.

Hearing TAPS played is one of the fond memories I have of summer youth camp at the Methodist Youth Camp in Leesburg, FL. After cabin devotions, lights were turned out, we climbed into our bunks, and then Taps would be played followed by the playing of The Lord’s Prayer. As the last words of that prayer were sung you would drift off to sleep knowing that all is well because God is near and our souls were safe in his hands.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Fading light, dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar, drawing nigh, falls the night.

Thanks and praise, for our days,
'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, neath the sky;
As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

Sun has set, shadows come,
Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds
Always true to the promise that they made.

While the light fades from sight,
And the stars gleaming rays softly send,
To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.

Memorial Day is more than just picnics, wreaths and flying the American flag … it stands as a reminder that our lives are safe because of the sacrifice of others … all is well …

Quote for today: Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin.