Most of us feel a deep respect in our hearts for those who have sacrificed so that we can remain free. Loving those who have paid the ultimate price is just something we do as people. We pause to remember each year.

Isaiah 56:5 says, “To them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever.”

God instituted the concept of maintaining memorials. He remembers, and so do we.

Maybe you’ve had a brother or mother or cousin or uncle that never came home from war.

Even before the American Civil War, our citizens were placing flowers at the graves of veterans. It is one way we can keep their sacrifices front-and-center, so that we don’t forget and become complacent.

This year, stop to take time and pause. Do something tangible, like visit a cemetery. Ask an older relative to give you some insight into a family member who never came home. Then thank the Lord for that sacrifice.

Let’s pray.

Lord, We remember those who had paid with their lives. It’s very obviously the least we can do, but we want to do more by keeping their memories alive in our hearts. Amen.