May 22, 2020
by Reverend Dan on May 22, 2020“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. ”
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
Mexican-American War 13,300
American Civil War 655,000
Indian Wars
Spanish-American War 2,400
Philippine-American War 4,200
World War I
World War II
Korean War
Vietnam War
Gulf War
Afghanistan War
Iraq War
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.