Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States of America. The intended purpose was for giving honor and respect to the men and women who died while serving in the country’s military services. This day was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to memorialize the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that terrible, scarring war. By the 20th century, America began to honor all Americans who died while in the military service for all time.
One of the first notable observances of this type was after the Civil War in Charleston, South Carolina, on May 1, 1865. During that war, Union prisoners of war were detained in the Hampton Park Race Course in Charleston. Approximately 257 Union prisoners died there and were quickly discarded and buried in unmarked graves. A group of caring teachers and missionaries, black residents of Charleston, planned a May Day ceremony in 1865. They cleaned and landscaped the burial site, then enclosed the area and added an arch having these words; “Martyrs of the Race Course.” Nearly 10,000 people gathered on May 1st to commemorate the war dead. The activities had coverage by the national News Papers of the time.
Today, traditionally on Memorial Day, the flag of the United States is vigorously raised to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the rest of the day.
The half-staff position is a memorial to the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their blessed country. At noon, their memory raised again by the living patriots, who promise never to allow their sacrifice, be in vain, but will rise up in their place and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all.
Let me remind you, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12a)
Because much of America has lost the love and respect for the LORD our God, she has also lost her love and respect for herself, the nation. The good of America has sunken into a deep depression. Patriotism is waning. Respect for America’s flag is negligent. Memorial Day is little more than a good reason to enjoy a three-day weekend! The strong driving force of love and patriotism that caused the many to willingly lay their lives on the line has been scoffed by the few who hate the things of God. The liberal left is destroying all that we once held as good and decent.
America has a history of being blessed of God primarily because America has honored and blessed Him. The influencing powers in America today are, in word and deed, dishonoring all things about the righteousness and holiness of God and His Word. America has lost His favor and His blessing. This is the bad news.
The good news is, they are not the only voices of America! They are a minority in that, one person fully committed to God and acting in His will is always a majority. If the true Church of God in America will arise in humble repentance unto righteousness and holiness, that would restore God’s honor in the land and bring His healing favor once again.
Church, what could happen if we, who truly believe, spent that noon hour on Memorial Day Monday seeking the God of heaven for the forgiveness we need, and the return of His favor? The greatest battle to win is for the souls of men and women, and girls and boys, of America the Beautiful. May this be the beginning of a Memorial when a nation died to self, to save herself! A New Memorial? God, send a revival, and let it begin with me!
