The Spirit of Americans this Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, we take a moment to honor the men and women that gave their lives in the defense of our Country and I thank the Good Lord that we are still a free nation and we can stand tall and proud as we honor those men and women that have given their all so that we might have the opportunity to salute Old Glory, our symbol of freedom and that we can have the opportunity to give thanks to our God, who allows the United States of America to remain a strong and free country.
Yes, I realize that there are those that endeavor to alter that course through civil and political means, but we have the ability to do our part, because we can have our say through our right to vote!
OK, I need to get off of my soap box and give you some history about Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces.
Over the years, it has seen a lot of changes and in our present time this celebration encompasses all conflicts in our American history. Many cultures in ancient history would honor fallen warriors by decorating their graves. The ancient custom of decorating the graves of warriors evolved and eventually came to America. Through the years, this custom has continued and developed into the National holiday that we celebrate on May 30.
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act set the celebration as the last Monday in May, though the official date is still May 30.
The traditional Memorial Day celebration sees our flag briskly raised to the top of the flagpole and then solemnly lowered to half-mast. This position reminds us of the men and women who gave their lives in the service of our Country. Then, at noon it is raised to the top of the flagpole for the remainder of the day, signifying that America has a resolve that their sacrifice was not in vain and that we will continue to fight for liberty and justice for all!
Thank God for this Country and for the men and women that fought and died for our freedoms and the way of life we each enjoy today! Americans one and all should say, “Thank you and God Bless America!”
This quote from President Ronald Reagan says it all, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”
And he continued, “May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn’t free and if words cannot repay the debt we owe these soldiers, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice.
The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper. Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply. It has a cost; it imposes a burden. And just as they whom we commemorate were willing to sacrifice, so too must we - in a less final, less heroic way - be willing to give of ourselves. Today, the United States stands as a beacon of liberty and democratic strength before the community of nations. We are resolved to stand firm against those who would destroy the freedoms we cherish. We are determined to achieve an enduring peace - a peace with liberty and with honor. This determination, this resolve, is the highest tribute we can pay to the many who have fallen in the service of our Nation.”
Every American should thrill to the words of Lee Greenwood when he sings, “And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.”
The true American spirit fills each of us to the brim when Old Glory flutters in parade as patriotic music fills the air. Our hearts swell with pride as we say thank you to those that paid the price for our cherished freedoms. Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor all women and men that gave the ultimate sacrifice that you and I might live in a strong, free, and Christian Nation!
The Spirit of Americans
The land of the brave and the home of the free
Thanks to the soldiers that stood there for me
To hold safe those freedoms for our country
Some sacrificed all!
These men and women that were gallant and brave
Their patriotism taught them how to behave
They fought for our country, our freedoms to save
All sacrificed some
They marched for our country’s values so true
To keep America safe for me and for you
They were proud to march for red, white and blue
Our country sacrificed some
The right to be free is a gift from our God
We fought the tyrant, often on foreign sod
Those gallant souls marched where some fear to trod
And the price was heavy
They sought God’s mercy and never thought twice
America’s brave soldiers chose to pay the price
For freedom was sacred and worth the sacrifice
We praised God for victory
They gave their all and valiantly tried
Now for those patriots our country has cried
And we will honor the ones that have died
That their memories live on
We pray that their efforts are never in vain
We must turn to the Lord again and again
And thank Him that He continues to reign
God bless America…stay safe!
© Ol’ Jim Cathey
Say a prayer an’ blink a tear for those great patriots that sacrificed their lives to give each of us the legacy of FREEDOM!
Join us a First Baptist Marlin where we are blessed to serve a Risen Savior!
God bless each of you and God Bless America!
Happy 59th anniversary to my Young bride Stella!