May 5, 1868 – head of organization of Union veterans, The Grand Army of the Republic, established Decoration day – time to decorate graves of war dead with flowers. 1966, Congress and President Johnson declared Waterloo, NY as the birth place of Memorial Day, because on May 5, 1866, ceremony honored local veterans who fought in Civil war. By the end of the 19th century Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30th throughout the Nation. not until after WW I that the day was expanded to honor all who died in all wars. 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday.
This is always a great time to stop and reflect that our freedoms are not free. also a wonderful time as a Christian to reflect on God’s Memorial (Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations. – Psalms 135:13)
It was this passage that prompted me to prepare a message, that I will by God’s permission preach. God has truly blessed our nation and as Believers we know He has blessed us too, so I hope you will stop and reflect on the freedoms we still enjoy in our country and what these freedoms have cost so many. And as Christians we know God’s Memorial will always endure. (You have to be in church to hear the rest of the message)