It was February 23, 1945, while fighting in Iwo Jima, that five U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy Corpsman raise the American flag atop Mount Suribachi. This infamous photograph turned monument, depicted a strategic victory for the U.S. during World War II. This mountain top provided the Japanese soldiers a vantage point for spying out American artillery positions; and this victory marked the first Japanese soil conquered by Americans. My intent is not to provide a full historic discorse of this event, but simply to illustrate the significance of honoring and remembering key events and moments in our history.
I sense a growing spirit of disunity and disrespect toward our country. Political unrest, increased debt, major controversial social decisions, and a long season of war have created disharmony. While it is more important that we find our identity in Christ, there is value and merit in holding pride and loyalty in our Country. We must be careful not to swell with pride to the place that we forget God’s blessing and favor upon this country. If it were not for Him, we would not exist as Americans. We should heed Micah 6:8 and the challenge to walk humbly before our God.
Memorial Day provides an opportunity for reflection and thanksgiving. If it were not for the men and women who voluntarily paid the ultimate sacrifice, we would not have the freedom to debate freedom. We truly are blessed to be Americans. Beyond the patriotic spirit, I believe that Memorial Day provides a unique spiritual opportunity for each of us.
Proverbs 22:28 tell us, “Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.” Whereas a flag raised in Iwo Jima provides a significant landmark for WWII, there a landmarks that are unique to our spiritual journey that should be remembered. We see these landmarks often in Scripture:
- Noah on dry land – Genesis 8
- Moses as God gives victory in battle – Exodus 17
- Gideon receives peace from God’s plan – Judges 6
These are just a few examples of the numerous times that an altar would be built, or standing stones would be erected, to signify what God had done. For me and for us today, those landmarks look differently. Perhaps it is a date marked in the front cover of a Bible, or a purity ring, or a photo on our timeline, or a tattoo. For each of us, there should be physical markers that define our spiritual journey.
The value of these is so that we don’t forget. Remembering the past prevents us from repeating the past. Remembering the past praises the memory of God’s blessing. Remembering the past allows us to have confidence in the face of our fears. Remembering the past keeps us moving toward new and uncharted waters.
This Memorial Day I pray that we will remember those who have fought for our country’s freedom. More so, I pray that you and I will remember the faithfulness of God in our lives and that we will praise and thank Him for all He has done.
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