Yes, I know! Monday isn't my usual day to post a blog. But as I have been reflecting on this Memorial Day weekend, especially in light of the recent tragedy that has engulfed our nation with grief, I wanted to acknowledge more sincerely than ever, the significance of Memorial Day in our country.
It is a celebration of service and sacrifice, bravery in the face of danger, a selfless willingness on the part of so many brave men and women to die for the freedoms that our country treasures and holds dear.
As Jesus tells us, there is no greater love than one willing to lay down his life for his friends. I do hope and pray that you will set aside time, not only today, but each and every day to remember those who did just that. The photos I share below are from the 2018 Memorial Day weekend, when granddaughter, Virginia, and I spend time in Oxford (How I miss that place!). Won't you take a stroll down memory land with me?
If you are a veteran, an active service member, have a family member who was or who is serving in the military, or have a loved on lost to the horrors of war, please include their first names in the comment section. I will be sure to pray for these courageous heroes, giving thanks to God for their willingness to stand in harm's way for all of us.
Amen!
May they rest in peace. We owe them a great debt.
ReplyDeleteOver here, Memorial Sunday is the nearest Sunday to 11 November.
God bless.
I didn't know that, Victor, but it certainly makes sense; our Veterans' Day is November 11.
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We owe them far more than we'll ever know.
ReplyDeleteWe certainly do, Glynn. Our freedoms aren't free.
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Mark, Johnny, Steve, Al, Kevin, Stevie, Keith, Marcus, James, Richard, Alan, Thomas, Mark, Bobby, Harold, Lionel, Larry, Matt, Jimmy, Dale, Robert, Tony, Glenn, and the list goes on. All brothers in arms of whom I've ever grateful to have served beside. My memories of them have turned to the laughter and camaraderie we shared; my heart mourns for the mothers, fathers, wives, sons, and daughters who are facing this day without them. Distant memories of a loss suffered long ago. #NeverForgotten
ReplyDeleteThank you, J. D., for calling your fellow heroes by their names so that we can remember them in prayer today. Blessings to all who nobly served our country!
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Thank you, Martha! Thankfully, I never lost a loved one to war -- but my heart aches for those who have, both foreign and domestic. (*sigh*) Did you happen to see PBS' Memorial Day special last night? As usual, I couldn't maintain a dry eye.
ReplyDeleteI did not see that special, Myra, but I've seen these tributes in previous years. You are so right about it leaving one grabbing tissue after tissue. May we be grateful, today especially, for those who gave their all for our freedoms.
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Thank you, Martha, for taking time out today to write your blog. It is good to see our countrymen show gratitude toward our veterans. My dad, Howard, two bronze stars, Walter, my hubby, two tours in Vietnam. Phillip, Jon, Kelly, and Veronica. God bless them all God bless, Martha.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing the names of loved ones who served in our military, Nells. Yes, may God bless and keep them all, and let them know that their service is treasured and valued.
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Dearest Martha Jane,
ReplyDeleteIndeed, all those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our Freedom deserve all of us to be grateful!
Hugs, finally go to bed after a very long day without.
Departed May 29 from Savannah by 3:30 PM and this morning around 9:00 AM landed in my birth country and met my two lady friends and we traveled the two hours South by train. Relaxed!
Now finally somewhat caught up... with help of my MacBook.
Hugs,
Mariette
Whoa, Mariette, what a long, long day you've endured! Hope you can catch up on your sleep after all the jet lag. Enjoy those precious days in your home country.
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🤗
DeleteThank you for your prayers! My nephew, Julian, is an officer in the Marine Corp. Prayers lifted for all! xo
ReplyDeleteI will definitely add Julian to my prayer list, Terri. We can't be grateful enough for those who choose to serve our country and defend our freedoms.
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Thank you, sweet Martha. I join you in prayer. My son, Kevin, is actively serving in the Air Force. My daddy, Les, also served four years in the Air Force.
ReplyDeleteBeckie, I will definitely keep Kevin in my prayers. My stepson, Giovanni, is also serving in the Air Force, and we couldn't be prouder, as I know you are of your son!
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I'm so grateful for my family members who have served and for those I'll never know who have sacrificed for our freedoms!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Lisa! My grandfather, dad and uncle all served in the military. I'm so proud of their willingness to serve this great nation. And we are so proud of Danny's son, Giovanni, that he has been in the Air Force since 2018. God bless them all!
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I'm glad you are teaching Virginia the importance of respect for our nation and for those who died to preserve it.
ReplyDeleteI believe so strongly in doing so, Bill. They have to understand just how precious their freedoms are.
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Great reminder, Martha.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jean! So glad you had a wonderful pilgrimage and are home safely.
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Thank you, Martha, for your gracious prayers for John.
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, Nancy.
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Thank you for the blog and the stroll down memory lane. My dad Ray was in the army, cousin john army, my husband and son are Airforce veterans, grandson USMC
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, Cheryl - you have a long line of family who have served or are serving our country. We owe all of them such a debt of gratitude! My stepson is currently in the Airforce, and we are so proud of him.
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thank You, God, for all those who commit to serving their country. and bless their families who are too often left behind. give them grace, perspective, and calmness of mind and heart ...
ReplyDeleteAmen, Linda, and amen, again!
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Thanks so much, Rajani.
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Beautiful post, Martha. I'm thankful for the bloodshed of men and women who gave all for our freedom. And for the bloodshed of Jesus who gave all for our spiritual freedom. God bless!
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