Welcome to the Forever We’ll Remember Memorial Day Countdown. I am glad you decided to join me! This week is a week that I decided to set aside specifically in honor and remembrance of our nation’s fallen. I am looking forward to having a few of my sweet friends join me with some guest posts. Oh, and did I forget to mention that the last post is going to be a super special one? I hope that you will stick around for the ride, because it is going to be a week of remembrance.

I’ve noticed more and more in our nation today, that there is a resounding lack of gratitude. As a rule, we live in a very ungrateful society, and I am ashamed to say that those of my generation are many times the worst! Somewhere along the way we have lost our hearts of thanksgiving.

As we start our Memorial Day countdown, I wonder how many of us are truly grateful for the sacrifices of our heroes on our behalf? That is what Memorial Day is all about, isn’t it? It is a time set aside to remember, honor, and give thanks for those who have given it all for our freedom. I hate to burst your bubble, but it’s not just a day to have a barbecue and enjoy the three day weekend. Ok, I take that back. I don’t hate to burst your bubble, because if that is the only way you view Memorial Day, you need to have your bubble burst.

I’m not saying that it is inherently evil to grill some hot dogs on Memorial Day weekend and get together with family and friends. What I am saying, is that it is important to not lose sight of the actual meaning and reason for Memorial Day. Let’s take a look at what that meaning is!

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration day. It began after the end of the War Between the States. The tradition of decorating fallen soldiers’ graves with flowers and flags began with the widows left as a result of the war. They would go to the battlefields and graveyards and scatter flower petals over the graves of the men who had been killed in battle. Their cries and weeping could be heard as they mourned for their loved ones.

Many individual towns claimed to be the first to recognize city wide days of memorial in the springtime. It is hard to say for sure which town it actually began in, but regardless of where it started, the tradition grew to be nation wide. Flocks of grateful Americans came out on special days in the spring to commemorate and remember those who had given their lives for their country.

When America joined the First World War, large numbers of our nation’s sons and daughters were killed over in France. This led to an even greater drive to remember and honor our fallen heroes. Eventually this special day set aside in May, became a day to honor America’s fallen heroes from all of our wars.

Many people today have lost sight of what Memorial Day is though. Some believe it to be a day to remember all of those who have passed away, while others yet believe it to be just another excuse for a three day weekend.

I am appalled at the number of people who can’t even drag themselves out of bed on Memorial Day to go to ceremonies and services held to honor those who have died in action. We have become so ungrateful.

Young people aren’t taught to respect and honor these heroes. The people of my generation are far too consumed with their screens and devices to pay any attention to the fact that there is something important and special that deserves our attention and gratitude. Yes, I just called out all of my generation, and no, I don’t apologize for it. In fact I will do it again! It’s time to drag our eyes away from our facebook and instagram, and realize that there have been people who have died for us. You don’t have to be a history buff in order to honor and remember those who have died in service to our nation. You’re an American. Start acting like it.

This week, I am asking each of you to contemplate the freedom we enjoy. It wasn’t free. It had to be paid for on our behalf, and there have been thousands of Americans who have been that payment. Are you grateful for their sacrifice or are you one of those who can’t be bothered?

This week and all year round, let us make it our mission to never forget or treat ungratefully our heroes’ sacrifices.

Forever We’ll Remember.

Do you have any ways you are planning to honor our fallen this Memorial Day? Let me know! I would love to hear what you think.

A. M. Watson

Hebrews 13:8