by Reverend Pete Hyde
I stood as a fifth grader in an American cemetery outside Manila in the Philippines on a class field trip. The rows of White crosses and stars of David are still etched in my mind in that quiet place on the side of a hill. I stood as an adult serviceman in an American cemetery in England. It was also a peaceful setting with rows of white tombstones, cross and stars. I have seen the rows upon rows of weathered stones of those fallen at Vicksburg.
Throughout our country on Memorial Day in military cemeteries from Manila to England, from Arlington to Vicksburg, from Pensacola to Ft. Gibson Oklahoma, as well as countless cemeteries throughout the world, those who fought, died and served our country are honored. In the small town of Antlers, Oklahoma, a flag will be placed on my father’s grave recognizing his thirty years of service to his country. We will remember them with ceremonies, 21 gun salutes and the playing of taps.
There is more to remember. There are those who are on the battlefield as you read this, risking their lives in service to their country. Whether you agree with the reason and the strategy for the wars we are currently fighting is immaterial today. We need to remember those who are sent to fight a battle for our country. They are following the orders of those in political power. They are doing their duty for the United States of America, and for that we should be thankful. We also need to remember those who serve in non-combat roles, for they are just as important as they support those who are directly involved in the fighting.
Memorial Day also has a broader meaning today. Across this country family members will be making their annual trip to the cemetery, whether near or far, for Decoration Day. For many, it will be a time to reconnect with departed loved ones. For others it will be a time for family reunions to reconnect with the living members of the family.
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and honor. As you go about your business, whatever that might be, REMEMBER, REMEMBER those who died in service to their country. REMEMBER those who are currently serving at home and abroad. REMEMBER those who have gone before us and finished their course on this earth but still impact our lives on a daily basis. REMEMBER.
O SAY CAN YOU SEE BY THE DAWNS EARLY LIGHT?
O BEAUTIFUL FOR SPACIOUS SKIES AND AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN.
MY COUNTRY ‘TIS OF THEE.
GLORY, GLORY HALLELUIA! HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON!
MAY GOD SHED HIS GRACE ON THEE!
Pray for our country. Pray for the guidance of God which it needs so badly.
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