The Big Weekend

Good Friday morning! Ah, the big weekend after the long winter and spring. Memorial Day weekend is upon us. Where are you holding your observance this year? Ouch! Sore spot get rubbed there? Didn't plan to observe Memorial Day at all? The problem is not that I think many families ignore the sacrifice of so many that we may enjoy this weekend. Nope, the problem is that too many would have no idea what I'm talking about. There is no sore spot when they fail to remember the sacrifices of the soldiers, sailors, Marines, air force personnel, national guards, coast guards, and others who gave their lives that we might enjoy this nation as free persons. Memorial Day is just the first long weekend to relax after the school year or a long winter. "We celebrate the day by having fun," they say. Outrage upon outrage! Ignorance! Foolishness! The insult.... nah, I can't be like that.

When we served on the seas, overseas, or in stateside forts and bases, we didn't do it so that we would be mourned. Those who gave their lives did it so that loved ones might enjoy freedom, especially on these long weekends. Many of us have trouble leaving traumatic events behind. We don't fit in well with what society expects of those returned to civilian life. Don't mourn us either. Some pay the price that others may enjoy a better life. The disciples were downcast when Jesus finally got through to them that He must die in Jerusalem. Jesus told them that they should rejoice. Our Lord mourned the condition of the world during His ministry, but He wanted rejoicing. From the desires of our Lord Jesus, many veterans find peace in the celebration of Memorial Day. We don't demand that everyone observe a moment of silence or attend a formal ceremony, but we certainly hope that you will make this small sacrifice to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Have a big weekend. Go to lakes, parks, and races. Have picnics and barbecues. Maybe on Monday, Memorial Day, you can take a little time to remember the great sacrifice of those who died in their nation's service.

To God be the glory,
Bucky