Why we remember

By Charles Christian

Memorial Day, as its title suggests, is specifically about remembering. All holidays have something to do with this, but Memorial Day has “memory” in its title.

The holiday started after the Civil War, in 1868. It was originally called “Decoration Day,” because the graves of the many soldiers who died were decorated as way of honoring them and remembering their sacrifice. It is one of two federal holidays dedicated to the U.S. military, and it is specifically set aside to remember those who died during military service.

Remembering is important. Some memories, like those on Memorial Day, can be painful. However, many times, even painful memories can help give us meaning and help us learn. Memories of those who live and die in a self-giving, sacrificial way can inspire us to do our best to live in such a way. Remembering difficult or even tragic times in our nation — including times of war — can inspire us to be wary and to use discernment when it comes to rushing into conflicts where men and women — sons and daughters — could die.

When we set aside time to remember, it causes us to hit the “pause” button on our busy lives and reflect. The Bible is filled with reminders that this is a good thing. “Be still” is a phrase that occurs at least 31 times in the Bible, for instance. As we pause and are still, we can reflect on the sacrifices of others and be grateful. We can reflect on the hard lessons learned during times of turmoil and conflict. We can also reflect on ways to prevent unnecessary suffering and death in our world.

On this Memorial Day, we can also join together to pray for the vision in the Book of Isaiah: “… and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4). May it be so.