The History of Memorial Day
Decoration Day gradually came to be known as Memorial Day. It was originally to honor only those who died during the fighting in the Civil War. However, during World War I the United States view changed when we found ourselves in another conflict, World War I. The holiday developed as a day to commemorate all American military personnel who died in all wars for the United States. The Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War and the ward in Iraq and Afghanistan and other wars which will be fought.
For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, but in 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees; the change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.
Memorial Day Traditions
Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations.
Americans also observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. Some people wear a red poppy in remembrance of those fallen in war, a tradition which began in world war I. It’s also a day for picnics, family get togethers and also a time to watch patriotic programs.
COVID-19
This year with the COVID-19 pandemic many gatherings and parades and memorials will be cancelled or watched via the internet or television. Memorial Day is a day to honor those who fought and died to protect the freedoms of this country, and they should be honored for their sacrifices.
Still a Conflict!
However there is still a conflict in which we are involved. It is not a war with swords and guns and bombs, but one which must be won on our knees. This pandemic has stormed the world, causing fear, trepidation, loss of jobs, businesses, salaries and life. Every life lost is tragic but we must look at the big picture.
For many years, the elite in our society have told us, “We need to remove God from our government. We need to think without God in our schools, We can accomplish anything ourselves.”
Enter the coronavirus–and our world has been brought to its knees Humanity thought that we could do all things, that we could accomplish whatever we put our minds to, that we are in control …But this virus shattered that illusion.”
Michael A. Youssef
Spiritual Objective
If there is one spiritual objective that the COVID-19 pandemic has accomplished, it’s this: It has revealed what and whom people truly love. With daily life temporarily stripped of some of its comforts, distractions, entertainments, and freedoms, people are being given a rare glimpse of their own hearts –what they cherish, what they fear, and where they’ve placed their affections, trust, and hope, in short, they are being shown what they worship.”
John MacArthur
Nations Fall
When nations fall it is almost always from within. Morality slips, honoring the Lord goes out the window, we get involved in our own ways, enjoying the bounty of a free country and blessings of the Lord in our lives. And now in times like these we look at what is happening, of the freedoms we enjoy, watching them slipping away and we wonder why.
“God does nothing except in response to believing prayer.” John Wesley.
“The man who mobilizes the Christian church to pray will make the greatest contribution to world evangelization in history.” Andrew Murray.
Fervent prayers produce phenomenal results, Woodrow Kroll
Broken men and women!
God is looking for broken men and women who have judged themselves in the light of the cross of Christ. When He wants anything done, He takes those who have come to the end of themselves, whose confidence is not in themselves, but in God. Harry Ironside.
Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are in a battle. It is a battle for men’s souls. A battle which must be won on our knees before our Lord Jesus Christ in prayer and submission to His will. The way to win souls and bring back America, if it is not already too late is given us in Second Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”. Our LORD responds to a humble heart.
When Ahab, one of the most wicked kings humbled himself before God, God saw his heart and delivered him (1 Kings 21:29). If we humble our hearts, seek the LORD, pray and turn from our evil ways God will forgive our sins, and perhaps even protect and save our nation.
Let’s Remember!
So lets remember those have given their life for this country and for those who will in the future give their lives to protect our freedom, and let us do our service as men and women in a spiritual battle for the souls of men and women, for this country, for this world, for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
God bless America, land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America,
My home sweet home.
While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free.
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer: God bless America, land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America,
My home sweet home.
God bless America,
My home sweet home.