We live in a world filled with stress and anxiety, so when a holiday comes along, we try to take advantage of it and relax. Sometimes we fill the day with so much relaxation that we are worn out by the time the day is over. We need a day to rest up from the relaxation!

Today is a holiday, and people are spending time with family and friends and traveling, which is good. I am not belittling any of the things people will do today, but I do hope at some point in whatever we do, we will pause long enough to remember. Remember what this day is about. Remember the sacrifices that were made so we could enjoy today.

Throughout history, wars have claimed the lives of untold millions of soldiers. You’ve heard the saying, “Freedom is not free,” and that statement is so true.

When I think about Memorial Day, I always think about copies of letters I have from family members who fought in the Civil War. Here are the final words of one letter that was written on April 22, 1862. “Fare you well, my dear wife and little sons. If I never get to see you again on earth, my prayer is that I may meet you all where parting and wars are felt and heard no more. Your loving husband and father.” That turned out to be the last communication he had with his wife; he was killed shortly thereafter. He is buried about three miles from where I live today.

In his speech at Gettysburg, President Lincoln spoke of the men from the North and South who “gave their last full measure of devotion.” It was from that horrific war that what we know as Memorial Day was birthed. It became an official National Holiday in 1971.

You’ve probably heard the expression, “All gave some, some gave all.” Today, we remember those who gave “all.” Those who did not come home from the war to family and friends, those who stepped into eternity. May God bless their memory and the families who grieve.