Memorial Day has always seemed an unusual day for “celebration”,
as we Americans term our holidays.
Remembering the birth of Christ or His resurrection are meaningful days
of joy for Christians. Recognizing the
birthdays of Presidents is an acknowledgement of leaders who helped shape
America. And Labor Day is a welcome day
off from work at the end of summer. As
to all these holidays, we say to each other, have a “happy” or “nice” or “joyful”
fill-in-the-blank day.
But “happy” Memorial Day?
The expression is jarring.
We honor, not celebrate, those who died in military service
to our nation. Their sacrifice should
humble us all in our appreciation for the cost of freedom. That is the memory to commemorate.
Note: For years, PBS
has broadcast a Memorial Day tribute the Sunday evening before the
holiday. It is somber and heart-wrenching
in the memories recited of individual lives lost. But it’s also uplifting in its reminders of
the greatness that is America. Watch it.
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