The holiday of Memorial Day was observed on May 29 this year. From 1868 until 1970, this holiday was observed on May 30. Since 1970 this national holiday has been observed on the last Monday in May. It was first known as Decoration Day.
Memorial Day is a special day to honor the military men and women who have served our country, especially those who have given their lives for our nation. It is a day to honor their sacrifice and courage to safeguard our freedom as a nation. This is an important day for pausing and giving thanks for their service. It is also a day also to pray for peace, as Dr. John Records did when he served at the table as an elder at Coolwater. There is a saying that applies here in more than one way, “We remember, lest we forget.”
What is observed on Memorial Day differs from congregation to congregation. Several factors play a roll in those differences. What is done on Memorial Day may depend on the accepted practice of the whole denomination involved. In other denominations or churches different traditions exist depending on the customs of each individual church. Sometimes the traditions are influenced by what part of the country the church is in. Another factor can even be brought into a congregation by members who and the traditions they had observed in other churches.
The first congregation I served after seminary was First Christian Church of North Kansas City, Missouri. At that church Memorial Day was a time to observe the church members who had passed on since the last Memorial Day. Many other churches observe a similar custom but on the Sunday prior to November 1, which is All Saint’s Day.
“We remember, lest we forget.” There is a lot in those words to ponder. The New Testament book of Hebrews devotes a sizeable portion of verses to lift up one interpretation of this idea. The book of Hebrews features a great roll call of faith to remind the church of the sacrifice and courage, faith and strength, sacrifice and perseverance of our ancestors in faith. The author concludes by declaring that these are now a great cloud of witnesses that support each successive generation of Christian people. They point us to Christ.
A cloud of witnesses surrounds us. Remember their lives, teachings, love, and devotion. Remember how you have been shaped by them. Remember how they played a part in helping you develop into the person of faith that you have become. It is important to pause and remember, give thanks, and then press on towards the prize of the upward call of faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Blessings!
Pastor Rick