Memorial Day was first observed in this country in 1868 for the purpose of decorating the graves of the American Civil War dead.

Today in most places it is observed annually on the last Monday in May honoring the nation’s armed services personnel killed in wartime.

We are presently in the midst of a war fighting terrorists, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. There have been a few thousand American men and women who have given their lives for this cause. We as Christians should do at least a few things. First we should thank God for their bravery and their willingness to help keep this country a free country. Second, we ought to pray for their families for comfort and healing dealing with their loss. Then we ought to lend a hand whenever the opportunities arise to these hurting and dedicated family members.

Having a Memorial Day should not be foreign to Christians because we are instructed to participate in one on a regular basis in scripture. It is known as "Communion" or "The Lord’s Supper" or "Eucharist." This is a time where we give thanks for what Christ did on the cross for us and a time to bring it to our remembrance. I am not caught up in how often we do this as much as us actually being involved in it. The Apostle Paul says, "As often as you do it you proclaim the Lord’s death till he comes."

Whenever your church offers this time of memorial, take time to be thankful and remember that Christ died for you.