When we think of Memorial Day, we think of the “unofficial beginning of summer”. It’s that point at which the grip of winter lets go, the sun shines brighter and longer, the temperatures become warmer, the trees and flowers bloom and paint the landscape in the beautiful colors of God’s creation.
We sit by the pool. We fire up the grill. We hang with our friends and family.
My family did all that this weekend too. But we did something more. Yesterday morning, we started our day at a remembrance ceremony at the veterans cemetery.
As we stood at the top of the hill in the shadow of the flags flying at half-mast, we looked out across the array of white uniform tombstones and row after row of American flags spread across the manicured lawn.
It is a site worth seeing, a moment worth taking.
My son’s dad is a veteran who made it back home. Not everyone does. He stood with us yesterday and saluted the flag for which he fought.
Not every grave in that cemetery is someone lost in battle. Most came home and lived their lives. But in death they are honored for their commitment to fight for our nation. Others are spouses who stayed behind, not knowing if their partner in life would return to them whole.
They all deserve for us to take a few moments of our time to honor them.
In every military funeral and every one of these ceremonies, the most poignant moment for me is when “Taps” is played. When I was studying to be a sign language interpreter, I learned there are actual lyrics to that song.
Day is done. Gone the sun. From the lake, from the hill, from the sky. All is well. Safely rest. God is nigh.
These words speak to the truth that every life that is honored in that cemetery has a special significance. The Bible says there is no greater love than to lay down your life for another. Every single one of those veterans were willing to make that sacrifice and we must never forget to honor them.
The leader of yesterday’s ceremony said something that keeps ringing in my ears and I hope it does the same for you.
“The flag blows not with the wind but with every last breath of a veteran who gave his life. Freedom is not free.”
No.Nonsense. 
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