'An Independent Baptist Church'

      The Meaning of Memorial Day            

The last Monday in May we pause to remember those who died, with so much courage, with so much pride, for our Country and our freedom.  They'll never come back....but memories endure....to remind us of freedom....fragile and pure.  We're worthy of their sacrifice if we pause every day, not just the last Monday in May, to remember their sacrifice for our freedom.

Its a sacred day to all war veterans:  None need to be reminded of the reason why Memorial Day must be commemorated.  But what about the general public....the rest of us...and more importantly, future generations?  Do most non-veterans really recognize the importance of May 30?   Judging from what Memorial Day has become...simply another day off from work...the answer is a resounding no.  Perhaps a reminder is due then.  An it is the duty of each and every veteran to relay the message.  

Why Remember Memorial Day?

Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance.  America's collective consciousness demands that all citizens be aware of and recall on special occasions the deaths of their fellow countrymen during wartime.  Far too often, the nation as a whole takes for granted the freedoms all Americans enjoy.  Those freedoms were paid for with the lives of others few of us actually knew.  That's why they are all collectively remembered on one special day.  This should be regarded as a civic obligation.  For this is a national debt that can only be truly repaid by individual Americans.  By honoring the nation's war dead, we preserve their memory and thus their service and sacrifice. 

Who are we remembering on Memorial Day?

The nations mourns the loss of all Americans who died defending their country throughout the world since 1775.   These are men and women who have remained mostly anonymous except to the families who loved them.  They came from all walks of life and regions of the country.  But they all had one thing in common....love of country and loyalty to country.    Who are they?  They were relatives , friends and neighbors melded together to perform a service for entire society...they were the nation's defenders.  They fought and many gave their lives so our boys and girls could have the freedom they enjoy today.

How do we Remember?

Means of paying tribute vary.  Pausing for a few moments of personal silence and thankfulness is available to everyone.  Attending commemorative ceremonies is the most visible way of demonstrating remembrance: placing flags at gravesites, marching in parades, sponsoring patriotic programs, dedicating memorials and wearing Buddy Poppies are examples.  Remembering Veterans in your Church service is helpful.  As America's 12 million war veterans fast disappear from society's landscape, there are fewer and fewer standard bearers left to carry the torch of remembrance.  Such traditions will live on only if there is a vibrant group of grateful folks to which that torch can be passed.  Churches must remember this day with their congregations;  Organizations and businesses must remember this day with their people and employees; Schools must teach patriotism to our students and teach the significance of Memorial Day. Parents must teach their children to remember this day and those who have sacrificed so we can have freedom today.  I am afraid if we neglect Memorial Day, the next generation will forget the sacrifice others have made for us and we will soon take for granted the freedoms we have today.   God Bless you veterans.   May God raise up more of your kind in America.

          An American Soldier's Creed

I am an American Soldier.  I proudly serve my country in a noble cause.  I am prepared to give my life to keep our nation free.  I will keep myself fit to perform my duty and can be trusted to do my best.  Other soldiers can depend on me, and I will follow my leaders faithfully.  In battle I will never falter.  Brave soldiers of the past would be proud of me.  I am the American Soldier.

I am the American Soldier. For the American People, my family , my fellows, my sons and daughters to come--I carry on.  Born of explorers, colonists, hunters in deer skins; schooled in the wilderness; fighting for our continent--I carried on for the rights of man.  Wherever I was needed; whenever I was called, I stood and delivered.  I came through.  I was America on the march.  And now, today, here I come again, marching again at the same old job--same old, brand new job--marching again with all free men and women.  I am the ring of steel around democracy; the ramparts that you sing about; I am the citizen soldier; the nation in arms.  I am the eyes of the artillery; the marching refrain, the brains of the tank; the nerves of the aircraft.  I am the Liberty Bell; the salt of our youth.  I am the fighting man and woman of every outpost from Alaska to Hawaii and beyond;  from Panama to Puerto Rico to Iceland and beyond.  Whatever the need-- for the spirit of liberty, for the future we're making--I, the American Soldier, am the shield.

       A Soldier's Prayer

God our Father, help me remain true to my ideals during my service to my country. Help me to be what is best in America, the land of the free. May I realize that I represent what our country stands for. My uniform is a symbol of duty and valor both in peace an din war.  I take up arms to defend what all Americans hold dear:  life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Grant me the strength to live according to these ideals,the courage of my convictions, and the resolve to endure whatever dangers threaten. With you at my side I fear no evil and resist every enemy, secure in the knowledge that you hold me in the palm of your hand.  Amen.