A Memorial Day Menory

            Memorial Day, which we will celebrate Monday, is a day of remembrance for those who have died, particularly, those who died in battle or during the wars fought by this nation.   It began after the Civil War, was expanded to include all the wars and eventually to include all who have gone before us.  For many it is “Decoration Day” in cemeteries. 

            For me as a child, Memorial Day had nothing to do with remembering the dead, decorating cemeteries or patriotic celebrations.  It traditionally marked the end of the school year and the beginning of summer vacation.  But in particular, it was the day the public swimming pool in Ensley opened.  To us city dwelling kids who seldom left our neighborhoods, that pool was an oasis we visited as often as we had the admission price, walking the four blocks to the pool with bare feet on hot asphalt or cement.  Try that, walking barefooted on a hot asphalt street or cement sidewalk.  We would walk on grass patches beside the road or sidewalk when possible.  We  often stayed at the pool all afternoon.

            As an adult, Memorial Day has become more and more a day of remembrance, as more and more persons of importance to me have gone on to heaven.  In a sermon on Mother's Day, I  referenced Lois and Eunice, the grandmother and mother of Timothy.  Paul says he “calls to remembrance” the unfeigned faith of these two ladies which they passed on to Timothy.  (2 Timothy 1:5)

            We don’t know if either of these ladies was deceased at the time of Paul’s writing, but they represent those in each of our lives who have had great influence or who have blessed us in special ways.  I offer a prayer of thanksgiving for these special people who have touched my life, not only on Memorial Day, but at other times when I “call them to remembrance.” 

            And the best thing is we have a promise that we will see them again!

Grace and peace.