Being a Christian, military family,
we OF COURSE have a special place in our hearts for
Memorial Day.
Please celebrate our God-given freedom...
Many have paid the ultimate price for it.
The last Monday in May, all across these United States, we observe
Memorial Day. As stated back in 1868, it is a time when we can
bind together "by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic
dead."
As far back as 1891, Army infantry regulations required "taps"
to be played at military funeral ceremonies. Perhaps the most
poignant moment in any funeral or memorial service is when the
24 solemn notes of taps are played, drawing tears from even the
most battle-hardened Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, and Coast
Guardsman, as well as family members and friends.
 TAPS
We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps". It's
the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.
But do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be
interested to find out about its humble beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when
Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near
Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the
other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night,
Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely
wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or
Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and
bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on
his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the
stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered
it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and
went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the
soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in
the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father,
the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission
of his superiors to give his son a full military burial,
despite his enemy status. His request was only partially
granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of
Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the
funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a
Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say
they could give him only one musician.
The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a
series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the
pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted.
The haunting melody, now known as "Taps" used at military
funerals, was born.
Music
Day is done
Gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky
All is well
Safely rest
God is nigh
Fading light
Dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar
Drawing nigh
Falls the night
Thanks and praise
For our days
'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, 'neath the sky
As we go
This we know
God is nigh
We must never forget those Americans who have offered themselves
a sacrifice to obtain--and maintain--freedom for the
citizens of the United States, as well as for citizens of other
nations around the world.
Some Scripture verses on "Memorial"...
Psalm 135:13
Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.
Hosea 12:5
Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial.
Matthew 26:13
Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
Mark 14:9
Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
Acts 10:4
And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
I want God to be my memorial! I want what works I have done in His name to be for His glory when I'm gone to be with Him!
Most of the verses on "memorial" when I did a word search had to do with the Old Testament days of remembrance: Passover, Purim, The Feast of Trumpets.
The Children of Israel kept them as a memorial for what Jehovah God had done for them. The Christian sees how Christ is the fulfillment of the law, that these
beautiful days of remembrance were pointing to His first--and Second--coming! So we, too, can remember what Jehovah God has done for us, amen!
My precious Mother's funeral was on Memorial Day 1992, so needless to say I have many memories of her on this special day. I also have many family members who served in the armed forces, all the way back to America's War for Independence! I challenge you to spend time in prayer for those who have given their lives for our freedom, the soldiers who fight for our freedom from tyranny as well as the Lord Jesus Who died to free us from bondage to sin!
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