What reason do we set aside a day to remember something special? Why we honor a day, occasion, or deed? Are we mindful when you and I remember something? Is commemoration a requirement in our life?
I’m sure each one has both pleasant and bitter memories in his or her life. Some try to repress bitter memories that cause painful emotions. In other words, remembrance of certain past events, incidents, places, person, and deeds in our life can be refreshing or emotionally painful.
For instance, recent Manchester Arena bombing in England, which is a bitter memory, especially for children who attended the concert, and those parents who lost their loved ones. We as parents ourselves empathize with those who lost their children through this senseless killing. Even if we try to repress these bitter memories, sometimes are very difficult to forget in one’s life. Another similar example would be September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States.
However, there are times in which we commemorate the certain day, occasion, or deed in our life because we remember something, and are mindful of it. One such day or deed that deserves our honor is the “Memorial Day.” On this day we remember people who died while serving our country so that we can have both the religious and political freedom. These people deserve our honor; therefore, we observe and salute them.
In fact, God commanded us to remember certain events. For instance, God said to Moses “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations (Ex 3:15 NKJV).” Another incident is the “Memorial Stones.” Joshua after God spoke to him told children of Israel to “ take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever. (Josh 4:5-7 NKJV).”
Yes on this day we’re once again reminded to honor great people in our life. Let us observe, admire and salute them. Please share your thoughts or comments. Appreciated.