Memorial Day is About Honoring the One Million

One million. It’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: behind every number is a name, and behind every name is a family whose entire world changed forever because that soldier didn’t come home. Every number 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 what Memorial Day really means. It’s about honoring the memory of men and women who gave up their lives so we all could carry on with ours in freedom. We can’t let all of that get cheapened 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 today we have a special Memorial Day edition of our Focus on the Family broadcast. We’re paying tribute to courageous men and women of honor who gave up their lives fighting against tyranny around the world.

In recent months, our comment line has received hundreds of calls from friends and family members who are grateful to their loved ones for serving their country, even though the price they paid is difficult to bear. We’re airing many of those comments and stories on our program today called “Honoring the Fallen on Memorial Day.”

As we listen together this Memorial Day and think of the liberties we’re so blessed to enjoy, let’s ask God to protect our soldiers who currently stand in harm’s way and to comfort the families who long for their safe return. But let’s also reflect on those one million men and women and the sacrifice they made. As the saying goes, “Freedom isn’t free.” It was bought with the blood of our soldiers who deserve our gratitude and solemn remembrance.

Tune in to today’s program on your local radio station, online, or download our free phone app.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, events, family May 29, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura