Hello God. It's me, Mara

You know, Lord, Memorial Day, is an American holiday which was once observed on May 30 but is now observed on the last Monday of May. It is a special day when we honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally it was known as Decoration Day and originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, honoring family and friends who have gone before us. It is also a time for holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it also marks the beginning of the summer season.

Another point of interest is that each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time.

We’re not sure where exactly this tradition originated; numerous different communities may have independently initiated the memorial gatherings. Nevertheless, in 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, N. Y., would be the official birthplace of Memorial Day.  Waterloo — which first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866 — was chosen because it hosted an annual, communitywide event, during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

  Memorial Day is when we are to remember the men and women who laid down their lives for us through their service for our county. That is sacrifice — when family and friends laid down their lives and created the freedom that we have as a nation,  but let us remember that the greatest sacrifice made for all mankind, is You, Jesus. You laid down your life so that we could have freedom in our heart.

Reading John 15:13 (NIV) “Greater love has no one tha this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Thank You, Lord, for Your sacrifice.

Love, Mara