Memorial Day: Gratitude for Sacrificial Freedom

On this Memorial Day, whatever we do – whether gathering with loved ones, sharing a meal, visiting gravesites, or participating in a parade – we exercise liberties secured by the sacrifice of others. From the patriots of the American Revolution to the heroes of recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, countless service members laid down their lives to protect our nation. Their sacrifice grants us the freedom to live, work, and pursue our purpose in life under God, whatever and however we choose. Yet, for Gold Star Families and others with an empty seat at their table, this day carries profound sorrow – someone did not come home so we could enjoy the blessings of our homes. For me as I write, I sit with coffee beside me and birds eating in front of me as I enjoy the early morning air – someone paid for this opportunity.

Be sure to check out some of the cool pictures below of Sonrise’s two troops, American Heritage Girls and Trail Life boys, decorating Veterans National Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri this past week in preparation for Memorial Day.

Scripture calls us to gratitude for such sacrifice. The Apostle Paul exhorts,

“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Col 3:15).

This peace, which we experience in our daily freedoms, was purchased at great cost by those who served. As we reflect on what we have – a nation where we worship, speak, and live freely – let us thank God for those who made it possible. Jesus described love in these beautiful words:

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:14).

Our fallen heroes embodied this love, giving their lives for us, their fellow citizens.

Among the many sacrifices we honor, my heart is especially heavy this week. Just in the last week, in communication with a chaplain, I have heartbreakingly heard of a deployed armed service member who has tragically taken his or her own life. I am especially burdened today for those who have an empty place at their table because a service member has in deep despair taken his or her own life while deployed around the world. These current losses remind us of the unseen burdens our service members carry, and we must honor their sacrifice by supporting those who struggle and praying for their families who grieve.

American history testifies to the courage of our fallen. From the fields of Gettysburg to the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave souls faced death to preserve our way of life. Their absence leaves a void for families who live with loss daily. As we enjoy this Memorial Day, let us pause to honor them and reflect on the true cost of our freedom – both in the casualties on the field as well as the loss to families and communities.

Gratitude must shape our response. Thank God for those who gave all, pray for Gold Star Families and those living today who are mourning, and commit to living worthy of their gift as American citizens. Whatever you do today, remember: someone’s sacrifice made it possible. Let us honor their memory by pursuing faith, unity, and service in the nation they defended. Possibly, today, you could also visit a memorial, communicate to a veteran’s family who has lost a service member, or share a story of sacrificial service you know about or from history with a family member or friend.

Group picture of all those who served with Trail Life and American Heritage Girls placing flowers on the graves at Veterans National Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

Trail Life boys posing behind the grave of their beloved friend and veteran, Jack Drury, who lovingly served his country and then our community in a lifetime of service.

Trail Life boys placing flags along the wall at Veterans National Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri, in preparation for Memorial Day.