WORD OF THE WEEK - MEMORIAL - 5/26/24

Definition: A memorial is an object or place which serves as a focus for the memory or the commemoration of something, usually an influential, deceased person or a historical, tragic event.

Scriptures:
Psalm 33:12 – “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.”
Psalm 116:15 - “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.”
John 15:13 - “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

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Email:  osnewton@wow-newton.com

Transcript

Definition: A memorial is an object or place which serves as a focus for the memory or the commemoration of something, usually an influential, deceased person or a historical, tragic event.

Scriptures:
Psalm 33:12 – “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.”
Psalm 116:15 - “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.”
John 15:13 - “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

THOUGHT
This week Americans celebrate “Memorial Day.  This holiday originated as a commemoration of the death of formerly enslaved people in Charleston, South Carolina shortly after the Confederacy surrendered in 1865. The federal government declared Memorial Day a federal holiday in 1971 and designated  the last Monday of May to be a celebration of all American personnel who have died in all wars while serving in the United States military.  Many Americans celebrate this day by visiting cemeteries, holding gatherings and participating in parades.  It is unofficially celebrated as the start of the summer season.

As Americans we should intentionally take time to appreciate, without bias, the sacrifice of everyone who has served this country.   During the wars of 1812, the Civil War, and World Wars One and Two, despite efforts to limit people of color to “servant-only” positions, many were required to fight as soldiers to ensure America’s victory.  As a result, many who were regarded as ineligible to enjoy the rights of freedom for which they were fighting, died as gallant soldiers. They fought with the hope of securing the rights of freedom for their children.

Let us remember that people of every race, creed, color, sex, political opinion, religious affiliation or moral turpitude have served in the military despite the conservative or liberal political agenda or the discriminatory practices of the times.

As Americans fought against Asians, Germans, Russians and other non-American soldiers, the children of immigrants and naturalized citizens who were originally from those countries sacrificed their lives by voluntarily enlisting and bravely dying for their newly adopted country.   They were Americans who looked like our enemy while providing counterintelligence and access, which would not have been available had they not served.

As we celebrate Memorial Day, we should also honor those who died supporting those who served in the military.  We should remember the men, women and children who, as a result of war, died in service as welders, construction workers, farmers, health and triage workers , truck drivers, and other services that supported the miliary agenda.  They built planes and artillery, provided uniforms and food, and cared for the sick and wounded as the nation engaged in war.
 
To secure victory in war, Americans have found reasons to put aside pettiness, pride and prejudice for the benefit of all citizens that raise the American flag. Those who died loved this country, and for that love they gave the greatest sacrifice that anyone can give: their lives. These Americans sacrificed themselves for the sake of all Americans, just as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, sacrificed himself for the sake of all humanity.

‘For there is no greater love than someone who will lay down their life for the sake of others.”

As a soldier in this war against the kingdom of God are you willing to do the same?