Remember

I give thanks to God at every remembrance of you  Philippians 1:3

Memorial day holds special memories for me.  I remember each year gathering at Grandma Thelma's and loading up in cars with aunts, uncles and cousins to begin our journey to different cemeteries.  Each of us had a job, the little ones carried flowers, older ones the water jug or the spade but we each had a part to play in honoring the memory of loved ones. I remember listening to the stories and looking with respect at the flags and military markers that signified those who had served our country.  I also remember praying together before we left each cemetery to make our way to the next one.

I come from a family with a long and proud record of service in the US Navy.  The service began before WWII and ended with my little brothers retirement just a couple of years ago.  Someone from my family proudly served our country for over 60 years with only a few months of interrupted service throughout the decades.  Today I pause to pray, honor and remember them and the thousands just like them from all over the United States.

My daughter and the other members of the PW Pirate Marching Band will travel to several cemeteries and   take part in the honoring of veterans.  They will also march in a Memorial Day parade later this afternoon.  As I watch them, I realize they don't completely understand why they are giving up a day off school, but someday they will.  Last year while traveling with the band I visited with a veteran and told him thank you.  He said, "If you really want to thank me then every time you hear the National Anthem played, sing it, don't just stand there, but sing it our of respect for veterans, freedom and these great United States."  I'd like to pass on that old veterans request and challenge you to thank him and all the others like him in the same way.  In order for our young people to understand the significance of this day, we need to show them.

A Seed To Plant:  Stop to say a prayer today for the safety of our active military and a prayer of thanksgiving for those who have graciously served and defended our freedom.

Blessings on your day!