Today is Memorial Day, and in the United States it is a day of remembering. We recall the many persons in the military who have served and are still serving to protect our country and our freedom. Most of us probably know someone who fits this description, and several of us have lost a loved one who served in a war, knows someone who suffered terribly from the after-effects of war, or is anxious about someone who is currently overseas.

Whenever I visit the Fort Snelling National Cemetery near my home, and see the thousands of white tombstones each marking a life lived in service, I always say prayers. I remember my mother, who served in WWII and now has a stone there, and my father who received the privilege of resting beside her. I also pray for all the veterans who have ever served, wherever they may be.

As I walk the cemetery grounds, I am grateful for the caretakers who keep it looking beautiful. I am also grateful to the countless people who take time out of their day to visit and remember: kneeling before the stone of a loved one, walking slowly among them to reflect, or placing a flag or bunch of flowers next to the worn letters inscribing such a brief piece of the person’s life. Sometimes I sit on the soft grass amid the stones for a while to reflect. I watch the flags wave and drink in the scents of the flowers while offering my prayers for those resting beside me.

John 15:13 says “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Although we usually think of this phrase as applying to Jesus’s salvific death on the cross, I recall this verse when remembering our beloved veterans. Many gave their lives for their friends as well as for people they never knew. Our freedom is such a precious gift, and we wouldn’t have it if it weren’t for the sacrifices of our veterans.

I hope today you will take some time to remember our veterans. If you can, visit a National Cemetery, if only to grasp the magnitude of the number of men and women who have served our country. And if you know of someone who served or is still serving, how about calling them up today to say thank you? You might just make their day brighter!

Thank you, Veterans!

Have a blessed Monday!

Faye

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