You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called “today.” (Hebrews 3:13, CEV)
Memorial Day is a day set aside for remembering the brave men and women who died while serving in our country’s armed forces. In honor of those fallen heroes, we are supposed to pause for a moment of silence at 3 p.m. that day. It’s a small thing we can do to recognize such a big sacrifice made on our behalf.
But, wouldn’t it be nice to honor our military not just today but every day of the year? In addition to remembering those fallen soldiers, let’s take it a step farther and also honor those currently serving this great nation.
A few years ago, I heard an evangelist share that every time he saw a member of the military in a restaurant, he felt compelled to buy that person’s dinner. That’s a great example to follow, isn’t it? It actually becomes fun, scanning the restaurant for someone in uniform, and then telling the waitress your secret plan to purchase that person’s meal. It’s one way we can be a blessing.
Here are some other ways we can bless the men and women in uniform on this Memorial Day and every other day of the year:
- Pray for the families who have lost loved ones while serving our country, and consider donating money to help those grieving families via websites such as USO and Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund.
- Commit to pray protection over our current men and women in uniform. Don’t know what to pray? Use Psalm 91 as your guide.
- Take time to write a note of thanks to these special men and women who sacrifice much in service to this nation. There are guidelines and helpful letter-writing suggestions at Operation Gratitude so you won’t overstep any boundaries.
Also, check out these websites for more insight and opportunities to bless our military through the written word: Any Soldier, Soldiers’ Angels and Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc. You just never know how much your words of gratitude might mean to a weary, homesick soldier.
- Adopt a soldier for the duration of his/her deployment or do a short-term outreach, as well. Go to Adopt a US Soldier for more information.
- Want to learn more about military charities? Check out MilitaryOneClick: Military-Focused Charities.
So, in the midst of your backyard barbecues and family celebrations on Memorial Day, I hope you’ll take time to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the men and women in uniform—past and present—who have made those freedoms possible. May God bless our military and their families.
