Memorial Day: Some Gave All

Patriotism reminds us to honor those who have given their lives for us. And remembering them can stir us to remember the greatest sacrifice ever given.

My husband and I were returning from an overseas trip a few years ago. It had been a long flight—17 hours and 37 minutes, to be exact, with one stop. The plane was full and, by the conversations you could overhear, it seems many were returning to their homes in America.

We were returning home to Dallas, Texas, after a long, three-week trip, and I was happy to be home. However, I did not expect my reaction.

The pilot said, “On behalf of American Airlines, I would like to welcome you all to the United States of America,” then one of the flight attendants began to sing “God Bless America.” As she was concluding the song, the passengers burst into applause.

My eyes swelled with tears. One by one, they slowly made their way down my cheeks. I got self-conscious as I was sure the entire plane was watching my emotional response. I reflected on how grateful and appreciative I was to be returning home to the United States of America.

The meaning of Memorial Day

May 30, 2011, is Memorial Day in the United States. It is a day set aside to remember those who sacrificed their lives for their country. Their sacrifice should motivate us to genuinely appreciate the freedoms we have.

Memorial Day’s history includes a group of women who came together in 1863 to show honor to the countless men who had already died at that point during the Civil War by decorating their graves.

Memorial Day is a time for remembering. Many a book has been written and Hollywood film made with the theme of remembering.

The World War II film Saving Private Ryan takes that concept one step further. In addition to remembering, the officer in the movie who leads his men behind enemy lines to save Private Ryan tells the young man to appreciate what was done for him. He tells Private Ryan to live his life in such a way as to prove that appreciation. That’s a choice piece of wisdom for us all to remember. The dying words of Captain John Miller to Private Ryan were to “earn it.”

In such stories, we see the rare recognition of an important spiritual principle. While we might appreciate the sacrifice and service of valiant human beings who have gone before us, the best way to show that such memories and sacrifice are truly appreciated is to live one’s life accordingly. It’s about choosing the right path—choosing right rather than wrong, good rather than evil.

Much to be thankful for

As Christians, we have much to be thankful for. In my country, I have appreciated the relative peace and prosperity that God has bestowed upon our peoples. Many of you, regardless of where you are from around the globe, thank God and also remember and appreciate the sacrifice of others who have enabled you to enjoy the blessings you have. It is a noble and good thing to remember and appreciate what other human beings have done for us.

Yet the ultimate sacrifice made for all of mankind extends far beyond the sacrifices of men and women who lost their lives in battle to preserve, as they saw it, the peace and liberty of their peoples. It’s the sacrifice that Jesus Christ gave so that we could be saved spiritually. Not the saving of just one person, like Private Ryan, but the sacrifice that makes possible the saving of every man, woman and child who has ever lived. Jesus Christ’s death makes it possible for all to realize the true peace and prosperity that our Creator intended from the beginning.

Unlike Captain Miller’s command to Private Ryan, we cannot “earn” the sacrifice that Christ’s death paid for us. However, as people of God, we can remember and show our appreciation for that ultimate gift by living a life that reflects such appreciation. This means being a light to a world yet darkened by the scourge of war and sin, by living a good life—a life grounded in appreciation, principle and integrity (Matthew 5:14-16). We know we live for a time in the future when war will end—a time when the only true cause of peace will finally be known.

Living a life worthy of the Kingdom of God

Reflecting on the meaning of the Memorial Day holiday in the United States can be a timely reminder to us all of how very important it is to honor and remember—to show appreciation for those who have sacrificed for us. It is an act of kindness to appreciate everyone for what he or she has done.

But most important of all, remember and show that appreciation to God and His Son, Jesus Christ, by living a life that “may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God” (2 Thessalonians 1:5).

Tanya Horchak serves with her husband, Doug, pastor of the Dallas and Sherman, Texas, congregations of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association. They have three children and one grandchild.