Memorial – remembrance – holding one in high esteem for deeds accomplished – the fallen, the wounded, the broken – the men and women who lay their lives on the line, every day and night for the safety of others.  That is what a hero is.

Will Rogers once said, “We can’t all be heroes, because somebody has to sit on the curb and applaud when they go by.” This is very true, especially on Memorial Day. However, we all possess an inner little gem within us called a conscience, which allows us the ability to discern the difference between right and wrong. This gift from God is what allows men to do great things when times call for it.  Because of that we all have the capacity to do heroic deeds – even the smallest of us.

I spent last evening listening to wonderful speeches directed at the high school graduating class of 2017, but those words also struck a chord with me.  We are depending on this new generation.  These young men and women filled with zeal and energy – ready to change the world – ready to be real heroes – listened attentively, but I wonder if the words will be remembered in a year or two, or even next week.  Still they have the opportunity to make a difference and I believe many of them will.

For too long, our country has been managed by self serving individuals rather then those who truly wish to serve others.  The mess created over the past few decades, is fixable, but it will take new blood, new energy, new courageous, young people to do so.  I know they can do it, because they have the tools to do so.  Their minds are overflowing with knowledge.  They’ve spent most of their lives learning facts, but also about God and His love for the world.

Becoming public servants is what we should all be thinking about doing.  Maybe this won’t happen in the political arena, but our talents can be spent in so many ways to help our fellow man.  We don’t have to put on a cape either.  The greatest hero of all spent His final hours on earth, crushed by the scourge, bloodied and bruised by the fists of His accusers and was pinned to a cross until he could no longer sustain His life.  He did that because He loves everyone.

When injustice is being done to humanity; when lives are being spent in the name of freedom; when governments become so big that they no longer include the voice of the people; the voice of conscience becomes louder and those who are listening will answer it and act upon it.

Lord, on this day of remembering, let us never forget the price man has paid for freedom and never let us forget the cost of our eternal freedom. Without you, we would never know true peace. Help us to show the same kind of love you showed us, to our fellow man.   Amen!