It’s Memorial Day.
I know it’s a day off from work for many, a three day weekend, just calling for a camping trip and a perfect day for having friends over to grill hamburgers and hot dogs or barbeque something. I don’t blame you!
I do, however ask you to take a little time and contemplate what the holiday really means. Here’s a few statistics to ponder on:
War Time Period American Deaths
Civil War 1861-1865 620,000
World War 1 1917-1918 116,516
World War 2 1939-1945 405,399
Korean War 1950-1953 40,000
Vietnam 1965-1973 58,209
Gulf War 1990-1991 1,143
Iraq/Afghanistan 2001-2018 7,000
September 11 2001 2,970
Law Enforcement 2020 264
1,251,501 deaths in the line of duty.
All gave some. Some gave all.
Obviously, this is an abbreviated list of the wars Americans have fought in. It was enough to make me step back and really think about why I was grilling those hot dogs though.
There are many other unsung heroes that have been lost in the line of duty too. The armies of God, including missionaries, pastors and ordinary people doing extraordinary things to serve others.
All gave some. Some gave all.
While we are contemplating, we need to remember the most famous sacrifice of all, our Lord, Jesus Christ. He willing gave His life for all of humanity. For you and for me.
Pray Unceasingly!!
Lois