Memorial day is for us to remember. I asked my daughter if she understood Memorial day. With our family background of military service and penchant for talking about family history, I knew she'd be close. Momma wrapped up the discussion with, "Veteran's Day is to honor those who served and Memorial Day is to honor those who died." That's the gist of it. Like the Israelites pulling stones from the river, we have set up memorials in most towns to remember those who have sacrificed for us. But unless we share with our children the reasons for these cement, steel, and wood structures, they will be just that- cement, steel, and wood.
Please tomorrow, take some time to share with your children. Then at 3:00pm your local time, please observe a national moment of silence. There's a reason why we have people to remember. They chose to put themselves in harm's way for us to live in freedom. Fire, police, military, even normal civilians who have accepted the ultimate sacrifice all deserve to be honored. Tomorrow is a day set aside just for that purpose. Please enjoy your barbeque lunch tomorrow, but don't forget to remember.