Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war).
Not all states celebrate Memorial Day on the same day (although most do), but every state still has its own day of observance to honor those who fought in every war the U.S. was involved in since the Civil War. Today, however, is the day that most states observe this holiday.
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
~Romans 13:7 (KJV)
All people deserve credit where credit is due, but I believe that the men and women of the armed services should be at the top of the list. They endure so much just so America can remain the "land of the free and the home of the brave." Not only must they endure basic training and their daily regimens, sometimes they must go to war. As I said yesterday, some people claim that they're "anti-war" but their actions say that they're "anti-soldier." As someone once said, If you're not behind our troops, then you're in front of 'em. I agree. If you live in the U.S., you should be required to support the troops. If you don't, you can leave. They have to put up with enough... they don't deserve to be ridiculed. It takes a truly dedicated and selfless person to be a soldier. They deserve the highest and deepest respect, tribute, honor, support, blessings, and love from every single person whom they are fighting for. Both of my grandfathers were soldiers (one Air Force, one Navy), and my cousin was a Marine. I have several friends who are currently in the army, a few of whom have been to Iraq. I feel deeply honored to say that I have/had the privilege of knowing each and every one of them, and I wish that there was a way to repay them for what they've done so that I could grow up in a free country.
While God and His son Jesus Christ should be honored every day regardless, today is yet another reason to honor them both. God was the one who inspired each and every soldier to go into the armed forces. And, of course, Jesus is the ultimate soldier--He fought his own battle for God and to liberate every one of God's children from the bondage of sin and eternal death.
Lord, thank You for this day. It was gorgeous. Lord, I ask that You please watch over the U.S. troops for they defend Your name and all that is good; please bless them with all of their needs and desires, and please bring them home safely. Please comfort their loved ones in times of separation and in times of loss. Please watch over the veterans and bless them as well. I pray that every person in the U.S. (as well as in other countries that the U.S. has defended) remembers what the troops have done (or are doing) for each and every one of us and that we never forget or take them for granted. Lord, please watch over my family, friends, and pets; I ask that You please bless them and keep them safe and strong, happy and healthy. Lord, thank You for every blessing You have put in my life. Lord, I ask that You please forgive me of my sins, and I ask that You please continue to guide me down Your path. Lord, I love You with my whole entire being and then some, and I will follow You forever and ever no matter what! In Jesus' name, Amen.
Love and God Bless,
M.C.
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