General George Patton once said in light of his combat fatalities, “Let us not mourn their loss, but instead let us thank God that such men lived.”
As we come to the national holiday, Memorial Day, it is right and appropriate to pause and reflect on those who have lost their lives in the service to their nation. While it is sad that so many have gone off to serve, and not come home, those of us who remain are blessed that so many have gone before that we might live and live better.
Throughout the years, men and women have given their lives in many causes. Some have died protecting their homes, while others have died protecting others. Lives have been sacrificed for nation and religion. Martyrs have born witness to their beliefs by risking and losing their lives for purposes great and small. It is appropriate that we pause, reflect, and give thanks for their lives and sacrifices.
In light of all this I want to make two points.
The first point is that while we celebrate our brave heroes here in the United States, that we should also at least remember that bravery and sacrifice are not isolated to our nation. After all, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, had some of the greatest courage humanity has ever been witness to. Other nations to have their brave and dedicated who have made sacrifices. Our own Bible tells us “Greater love hath no man than this, than to lay down their life for a friend.” Courage is a noble trait, and not confined to North America.
The second point I want to make is a question for reflection. As we honor Memorial Day, we should reflect on how we live our lives in light of these sacrifices. Many will have barbecues, and back yard parties, and friendly gatherings. We will enjoy the day off and drink cold beverages. We do this in the wake of those we are honoring on Memorial Day. The question is, how do we live in the shadow of those who have gone before. Do we honor them by focusing on ourselves, or do we strive to build stronger communities? Are they to be remembered as we divide ourselves along political, religious, and countless other lines, or do we come together to lift each other up, including the least of these, in such a way as to erect a society where all are worthy and valued and free and safe? Did the causes they died for die with them, or are such things as freedom, democracy, faith, hope, and love alive and vibrant today?
Friends, my comments today are brief, but they should, I hope, cause us to take less time reading this week, and maybe more time reflecting on the sacrifices we honor on Monday, and the sacrifice we honor every Sunday.
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