If you don't know it's Memorial Day weekend by now, You are oblivious to the multiple FB postings, TV schedule (back to back war movies), American flags flying, and last but not least the surge in traffic along with the requisite surge in speed traps and license checks.
One of my Facebook friends made a good point on his post. He pointed out that theologically he had a hard time with secular national holidays and that he was also against war in general. He further pointed out that his views don't diminish the fact that this particular holiday is in memorium to all the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. I guess that's where I fall also.
War is one of the most prevalent subjects in the Bible. Make no mistake about it, God had the Israelites kick some major tail. One of my Bible mentors is of the opinion that a lot of stuff people like to spout out about the Bible (eye for an eye, God destroying cities for sin) was at a time when Man was a relatively young and immature creature. Then came the Messianic Covenant whereby our salvation is dependent upon accepting Christ as our savior. In his opinion, all previous bets are off with the "New Covenant". Jesus brought a message of peace, tolerance, pacifism. He simplified the 10 commandments into loving God above everything else, and your neighbor as much as you do yourself. I myself can find little justification in war as a first solution to any diplomatic problem.
I'm not ready to make a blanket statement that all war is wrong. I do believe that it's less than God's perfect plan for us as humanity and also that revenge falls under the same category. I will state that war is inherently evil due to the collateral damage that occurs to civilians and soldiers called to fight.
Now to the heart of the matter. Wars are waged by government officials; presidents, dictators, kings, and prime ministers who are supported by advisors, parliaments and congresses. Individual soldiers who are called to defend their countries are in my opinion heroes despite whatever misguided policies place them in harm's way.
My father was a soldier in World War II. I saw the effects his combat service had on him; the sleepless nights, nightmares decades later, the tears when he'd watch a war film. He and many others from this war and all later shared a common bond of seeing things no human should have to see. They also experienced the fear that every soldier must go through during battle, and summoned the courage to overcome it and do their duty.
If you choose to celebrate this weekend, have a good time and stay safe. We all deserve a 3 day weekend to spend more time with the ones we love.
However, if you will take a few minutes to stop the celebration and think about those who were sent to defend this Nation and never got to come home.
Memorial Day should be observed; not celebrated.
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