It’s easy to get caught up in the fun of Memorial Day. It kicks off the summer. No doubt there will be families gathering. Beverages consumed. Barbecue sampled.

The holiday started around 1865. It initially was a day when the lives lost in the Civil War were remembered. Folks all over the country would visit cemeteries and decorate the graves of the heroes.

The focus has shifted from the fallen to the fun. Perhaps we can shift it back a bit this year:

Take a couple of minutes to reflect.

Reflect on how fortunate we are to live in America. The bounty that citizenship provides. The freedoms we have. The quality of life we are afforded.

Remember the lives that have been lost to preserve the life you live.

Imagine the sacrifice called for when this life we live in America is challenged. Pray that you might have the courage to perform as required to preserve it.

The military standard “Taps” will be played often through the weekend. The trumpet will sound. Silence of all in attendance will accompany it.

Here are the words:

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Fading light, dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar, drawing near,
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise for our days,
‘Neath the sun, ‘neath the stars, ‘neath the sky.
As we go, this we know,
God is nigh.

Have a meaningful Memorial Day. May God Bless America!