Have you ever watched Disney’s Lion King? Remember the scene where the son’s father appears to him in the clouds and tells him that he has forgotten not only what, but who he truly is and that he needs to remember? As the father disappears on rolling, thundering clouds, he repeats one word; “Remember.” What if we all could just remember not only who we are but what we are?
DISCLAIMER: I have NO political angle here and have no desire to get into politics- my focus this Memorial Day is to remember! What, you ask, do I need to remember? I’m glad you asked! We will not only take our que from the aforementioned movie, but history.
The first thing to REMEMBER this and every Memorial Day are the veterans who died while serving this magnificent country. Don’t forget who they are and that they had/have loved ones and families and friends they left behind. I will remember my 7th great-grandfather, Elisha Richards, who died while defending his country in 1778, fighting for the freedom of this nation. I don’t believe I can ever properly express my gratitude for men and women like him who sacrificed their lives for the freedom I enjoy today!
Second to REMEMBER is what we are and what we are is free! Thanks to the men and women who serve this country, we are all free! Let’s never forget that and take it for granted lest we lose our freedom. 1776 was a long time ago and we tend to forget just what it was that our forefathers fought and sacrificed for which may be why Thomas Jefferson was quoted as saying, “The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.” He knew of our human nature toward complacency. Thank you to the men and women who still sacrifice for our freedom today! That seems inadequate but it is from the depths of my heart!
Third to REMEMBER is why. Why these valorous men and women sacrificed it all probably varies with each individual, but I would venture to say that my 7th great- grandfather fought for the protection of his wife and children and the freedom from religious oppression and tyranny. Little did he know that two hundred and thirty-eight years later, his great, great, great, great, great, great, great, granddaughter would be writing about him and expressing her unending thankfulness for his honorable sacrifice and reaping the benefits of his devotion to such a worthwhile cause.
So, this Memorial Day, who are you going to remember? For when we remember those who gave it all and the price of our freedom, we are less likely to forget it or forego it and it becomes a valuable treasure! As Thomas Paine said, “What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value.” (Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, No. 1, December 19, 1776) Therefore, let’s never forget the brave! It is because of them that we are in the land of the free!
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth— he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.
Psalm 33:11-15 New International Version (NIV)
Moments To Treasure 