Memorial Day provides us with another to honor our military, but this particular one gives us the opportunity to thank God for those who were willing to lay their lives in the ultimate service of their country. Memorial Day usually has a certain amount of rain connected with the long weekend. The tears of God fall for those lost souls, who ventured into dark jungles, sandy beaches, the storms of life and the perils set before them. Of course they were scared. Who wouldn’t be afraid to face unnecessary death for the benefit of others.

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 weakest of us.

Most of us look at this weekend as an extra day added to our weekend. Picnics will happen. Grills will fire up. People will gather. Bands will play. Ceremonies will be held to honor those who died in the military. A little rain may fall, but I like to imagine the tears of God paying tribute to these men and women. Heroes don’t really know they’re heroes. They do what is necessary to accomplish something extraordinary. These soldiers did not die in vain. They are as numerous as a giant field of poppies.

Today we often place people on pedestals that have no right to be there. We honor those who have no values or moral fiber. We even look at those who broke the law as heroes for a cause. God knows all about what it takes to be a hero. He sent His only Son, to die for our sinful condition. Jesus suffered, died and was buried in a borrowed tomb. He rose again to assure our salvation. He will come back again to take us to our heavenly home. None of us is capable of being that kind of hero, but God thought we were worth it.

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.  As we pay tribute to these men and women, may we also take time to thank You for Your ultimate sacrifice. Amen!