On Memorial Day, Remember and Pray

Sam Rainer

On Memorial Day, we honor those who have died while serving our country. I believe every Christian should do two things on Memorial Day: Remember and pray.

Remember. My grandfather, Samuel Solomon Rainer, Sr., served in World War II. He flew D-Day. Below are his flight plans from June 6, 1944. His plane was called the Hoo Jive. My great uncle was a spy for the OSS. Another great uncle, Charles Spurgeon Keller, Jr., died in battle one week before World War II ended. He was in his late teens or early twenties. I know these stories because my father told them to me. Part of remembering is sharing history with the next generation. Take time today to tell your children or grandchildren about why we remember on Memorial Day. We live in a country where religious liberty exists. The next generation needs to know this freedom came with a cost.

Pray. There are many families who will grieve today. Pray for them. Even if you don’t know any by name, take a moment and pray with your family or friends for those who have lost loved ones. They gave their lives for our freedom. Knowing people died for our freedom should compel us to pray.

We should remember. We should pray. It’s the least we can do.