Honoring the Fallen

One million.

That’s a big number. But on today of all days, that number takes on even greater value and significance.

That’s because today is Memorial Day, the day we remember over one million Americans who have died in war on behalf of us all.

That figure is astounding by itself. But it’s even more sobering when you reflect on this: every one of those one million has a name, and behind every name is a family whose entire world changed forever because that soldier didn’t come home alive. Every name represents the loss of a husband, a son, a brother or, in some cases, a wife, a daughter, a sister. Factor in those intangibles, and the sense of loss is almost too staggering to comprehend.

That’s why it’s so important for us to remember that Memorial Day is about honoring the memory of men and women who gave their lives so the rest of us could carry on with ours, in freedom. We shouldn’t cheapen that simple fact into nothing more than an extra day off of work, a fun day at the lake, or hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill.

That’s why on today’s edition of Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, we’re paying tribute to our nation’s courageous men and women who have given their lives in the fight against tyranny around the world. We’re airing stories that friends and family of fallen service members called in to share. Fond memories. Gratitude. The grief they still bear.

As we listen together this Memorial Day, let’s reflect on those 1,000,000 men and women and the sacrifice they made. Let’s ask God to protect soldiers who currently stand in harm’s way and to comfort the families who long for their safe return.

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