About Memorial Day, Or Decoration Day

IN FLANDERS FIELD

By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing,  fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders Field.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from falling hands we throw

The torch; be it yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders Field.

How many remember when Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day? Decoration Day is the day that is set aside, year after year, decorating the graves, honoring and remembering the war dead who have fallen for the sake of freedom. Memorial Day, or Decoration Day is about honoring those who gave their all, their very lives, to keep the rest of us free.

These great war heros, men and women alike, gallant brothers and sisters, did not die in vain or for a lost cause. The Old Testament records in 1 Samuel 31:1-6 the tragic deaths of Saul and Jonathan killed in battle against the Philistines, and in 2 Samuel 1:17-27 how David laments over the loss of Jonathan and Saul.

Our cries are not any different than David’s cries over the loss of Saul and his brother Jonathan. David sings so lovingly remembering them as he eulogizes  their valour in battle as he cries "How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle". 2 Samuel 1:25.  Let this be our cry today, Decoration Day, as we remember and honor the sacrifice and bravery  America’s fallen heros gave to their country.

And let us ever remember that it doesn’t end at the grave for our fallen Christian brothers and sisters, who died in the Lord serving their country. They have fallen, yes, but they are a big part of Christ’s Church, still, like us, awaiting our Saviour’s return when they shall be resurrected in their new glorious bodies to a new heaven and a new earth with Christ reigning, never again to fall in battle.

Spread The News
 
 To share this post, click the "share icon" at the end of the post.