Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember those who have died in wars.
The remembrance ceremonies began after the Civil War. There are a variety of stories about where such remembrances began.
As someone said, it is more important to remember the reason why we remember than to focus on who remembered first.
Among the possible firsts to remember the fallen were a group of former slaves in Charleston, South Carolina.
On May 1, 1865, in Charleston, South Carolina, recently freed African-Americans held a parade of 10,000 people to honor 257 dead Union soldiers, whose remains they had reburied from a mass grave in a Confederate prison camp.
Their act was one of gratitude and honor of those who had given their lives to free them.
Memorial Day and every day is a time to remember The One Who died to secure our lives and freedom from slavery to sin and death.
Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of The Lord’s favor!”
Luke 4:18-19
Then He took a loaf of bread, gave thanks, broke it in pieces, and handed it to them, saying, “This is My Body, which is given for you. Keep on doing this in memory of Me.”
Luke 22:19
As we begin Memorial Day weekend, I invite you to reflect and remember The One Who came to set you free.
Here is the link to a song of invitation.
