“Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. ”

                                                                                                Psalm 27:3-4

 

Monday is Memorial Day. It is a day set aside to honor the brave men and women who have given their lives protecting and defending this country. And there have been many.

 

American Revolutionary War              25,000

War of 1812                                          15,000

Mexican-American War                       13,300

American Civil War                           655,000

Indian Wars                                            2,500

Spanish-American War                          2,400

Philippine-American War                      4,200

World War I                                        116,500

World War II                                      405,400

Korean War                                          36,500

Vietnam War                                        58,200

Gulf War                                                    300

Afghanistan War                                    2,200

Iraq War                                                  4,500

 

And this doesn’t include all those who died in “conflicts” such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, deployments, escorts, bombing, etc.

Over 1.5 million Americans willingly put themselves into a position where they knew they could die, and did, so that we can live in freedom. Freedom - isn’t it ironic that the thing we take for granted is the thing that most deserves our gratitude? It is those willing to guarantee freedom to people they will never know, and who die in that cause, that deserve our endless thanks, as insufficient as they are.

Ronald Regan once said, “Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A veteran never has that problem”. And neither do the families of those servicemen and women who have sacrificed their lives for this country and lie in graves of honor at home and on battlefields around the world.

 

Oh, beautiful for heroes proved, In liberating strife.

Who more than self their country loved, And mercy more than life.

America, America, God shed His grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.

 

Happy Memorial Day. And thank you to those who sleep a hero’s rest, and to their families.

 

“Father, We pray today that You will hold in the palm of Your hand those who have died so tha we might live in freedom. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

 

Grace,

Rev. Dan

 

    There will be no devotional on Monday, May 25 because of the Memorial Day holiday.