Memorial Day

What is the history of Memorial Day?

“Memorial Day is an official holiday in the United States. It was observed on May 30 until 1971, when for federal employees, the date was changed to the last Monday in May. It is also known as Decoration Day.

The custom of placing flowers on the graves of the war began on May 5, 1866, in Waterloo, NY, and Waterloo has been recognized by Congress as the official birthplace of Memorial Day.

In 1868, Gen. John Logan, then president of the Grand Army of the Republic, declared that May 30 would be a day to decorate the graves of comrades with “flowers who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion.”

After World War I the day was set aside to honor all Americans who died in wars, then the custom was extended to pay tribute to deceased relatives and friends, both military and civilian.

The most solemn ceremony conducted on Memorial Day is the placing of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns located in Arlington national Cemetery.

Today we celebrate this day.

Many people see it as just a day off; a 3 day weekend. A reason to cook out and invite friends over, But for those who have lost someone because of war or military action, it means much more than a day off.

In fact, every American ought to recognize this day and honor those who gave their lives to make America what it is today—

free, strong, and a nation worth fighting for.

Because men have died for this country, we have the right to preach God’s word freely.

We have the right to live at peace in our own homes.

We have the right to pursue peace, prosperity and happiness.

We need to thank God for those who died to make us free.

On Memorial Day we

1-Mourn the Loss

2-Remember the Lives

3-Are thankful for the Sacrifice

As we prepare today to remember those who died for our country, it is important to remember the one who died to set us free from our sins.

Jesus fought the armies of Hell so that we might have liberty in his name.

Every week is a celebration of the Memorial of Christ.

Every Sunday is a memorial day for the Christian

In light of Christ’s battle, let’s take a closer look at our memorial in Him as we recognize the likeness of our celebration of our military.

On Memorial Day we Mourn the Loss

Matt 18:12-14

Mt 18:12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?

Mt 18:13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.

Mt 18:14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.

As we mourn the loss of Christ, we realize that we are the guilty ones. And know that if there only be one sinner who was lost, He still would have died. His love is that great.

On Memorial Day we: Remember the Lives

Luke 24:13-25

On the Road to Emmaus

Lk 24:13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.

Lk 24:14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.

Lk 24:15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;

Lk 24:16 but they were kept from recognizing him.

Lk 24:17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast.

Lk 24:18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

Lk 24:19 “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.

Lk 24:20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him;

Lk 24:21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.

Lk 24:22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning

Lk 24:23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.

Lk 24:24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”