Remember and Honor - Never Forget

Joshua 4:6a says, “that this may be a sign among you…” Did you know there are over 130 monuments dedicated to something to remember in the USA? 

We are all familiar with the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, and the Statue of Liberty in New York City. All of these, and many, many more, are designated as historic sites, so that future generations may not forget a person, a place, or an ideal. Perhaps you have visited such sites before. Some of the most memorable monuments were built to remember soldiers who gave their lives in wars. They fought to protect our freedoms in America.  They gave everything so we could live as free people. 

Near Washington DC is the statue of the six soldiers planting the flag at Iwo Jima, dedicated by President Eisenhower in 1954. In Washington DC you find the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, with the names of over 58,000 who were killed in that war, it was dedicated in 1982, and you can visit the World War II memorial. Of course, there is the Arlington Cemetery with over 400,000 soldiers buried there, most from the Civil War.  These places and many more, less famous, tell us to Remember and Honor: Do Not Forget. 

Perhaps this is what Joshua had in mind when he instructed the people to set up a monument with 12 large stones after they crossed the Jordan River. He said in the remainder of verse 6, “that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?” Then it could be explained to them that the mighty power of God held back the water, so that His people could finally cross into the land of promise.  

I don’t know who or what event you may choose to remember this Memorial Day, but please do not let it go by without thinking about all the armed forces: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard. Remember the sacrifice these men and women have made to serve their country, many have lost their lives, all because they love their country. We shouldn’t need a monument or a national holiday to remind us of their sacrifice. May we never forget that is what Memorial Day is all about.

 The Pastor’s Pocket

Pastor Bruce Freeman

 

 

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