This Memorial Day

When Mr. E—, who works with Christian schools internationally, talked to the AP and British Literature classes this year about differences in cultures, he mentioned that when people from other countries have accompanied him to the U. S., they often cannot understand why Americans honor their military. We clap for men and women in uniform at airports across the nation, and it has not gone unnoticed.

Once while we dined in a Disneyworld restaurant, when the couple next to our table learned that Joel was military, they bought him a bowl of clam chowder that was their favorite there because they wanted to thank him for his service. And, many people have and do spend much time in prayer for him and his family. For that I am grateful.

With several military installations located in our town, it seems like most everyone is connected to the military in some way. And for years, every house on our block has displayed a flag everyday of the year, not just days like today.

I remember the night of 9/11 seeing the young couple next door in the sleet and the snow, together on a ladder, hanging an American flag. A few months later when their world imploded, I wondered if it had been the last meaningful act they’d done together.

Before Memorial Day weekend is over, many of my family in the area of my Midwestern roots will have made their way to small cemeteries that line country church yards far and near to place flags and flowers. I’m sure there are new ones at the front of my own dad’s grave this day.

So, on this Memorial Day, as I walked along the flag-bearing houses of my neighborhood, I thought again of our cultural characteristic of honoring our military. In many countries the military is the oppressive arm of a tyrant, but not here. So, I would answer those who would ask why we clap, support, and pray—

We honor our military because they are the guardians of our freedoms regardless of race, status, or creed. And we thank them because they and their families have given much to perform to that end.