It’s Memorial Day weekend.
There will be camping, picnics, Bar-B-Qs, ball
games, fun, fun and more fun. No work on Monday, get some yard work done, hope
the weather is nice.
As a Farmer, if the weather is good, we will be in
the fields. But, this isn’t about farming or picnics in the park.
It’s interesting that some of us Americans have no
clue what Memorial Day is all about.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the
people who died while serving in the country's armed forces.
According to militaryfactory.com:
In
its first 100 years of existence, over 683,000 Americans lost their lives, with
the Civil War accounting for 623,026 of that total (91.2%). Comparatively, in
the next 100 years, a further 626,000 Americans died through two World Wars and
several more regional conflicts (World War 2 representing 65% of that total).
Using this comparison, the Civil War might very well be the most costly war
that America has ever fought.
So that means up until 2012 when this data was
compiled we have lost over 1,309,000 souls due to disagreements, different
opinions, and values. It started with a fight for freedom to create our own
country separate from Britain.
While I can see the importance of fighting for our
freedoms and pray daily for our military who continue to be in harm’s way to
protect us, I wonder if we’ve learned anything in the last 200 years.
You would think 200 years would have been enough
time to learn to live together with conflicts and work them out peaceably.
Apparently, not.
I’m sadly convinced that the numbers of men and
women who have died to protect our country and its beliefs will continue to
rise.
There will be many who will have someone missing
from their picnics this weekend. They will know the true meaning of Memorial
Day. And, it won’t just be Memorial Day weekend that the absence will sting.
Their lives are forever changed. The sadness and loss will be a daily shadow
that follows them around.
So, my question to you - Has any of this entered
your thoughts while preparing for this holiday weekend? While we complain
because we have to work this weekend or the weather isn’t right or can’t afford
to travel, do we devote any time to the reality of this holiday?
So, go out and have a good time. Enjoy family,
friends, good food and fun times.
Please, please include some time to honor and
reflect on this holiday’s purpose. Share with your children a compassionate
concern for the loss of lives and show the value of their deaths in your
children’s everyday lives.
And for the family members of fallen heroes I say an
inadequate “Thank You” and pray for you regularly.
