Memorial day IS A LEGAL HOLIDAY IN MOST OF THE STATES AND IN THE TERRITORIES.  IT IS OBSERVED BY THE ARMED FORCES.  THE HOLIDAY WAS ORIGINALLY DEVOTED TO HONORING THE MEMORY OF THOSE WHO FELL IN THE CIVIL WAR, BUT IT IS NOW ALSO DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF ALL WAR DEAD.  IN 1868, GENERAL JOHN A. LOGAN, COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC, ISSUED AN ORDER DESIGNATING THE DAY AS ONE OF WHICH THE GRAVES OF SOLDIERS WOULD BE DECORATED.

     Memorial day IS CALLED BY MOST, A HOLIDAY, A DAY OFF OF WORK, AN EXTENDED WEEKEND TO RELAX, PARTY AND HAVE A GOOD TIME.  THIS, UNFORTUNATELY, IS A CALLOUS NOTION AND PRACTICE.  MEMORIA DAY IS A SOLEMN DAY.  IT SHOULD NOT BE CELEBRATED WITH JUBILATION, PICNICS, FAN-FARE, AND/OR SHOPPING FOR SALES, BUT INSTEAD WITH DIGNITY, PRAYER AND HUMILITY.  Memorial day COMMEMORATES THE SACRIFICES OF THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES TO PRESERVE THE FREEDOMS AND RIGHTS THAT WE HAVE AS A NATION TODAY.

     THE BIBLE SAYS THAT WE ARE ALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS.  MANY DO NOT HAVE A RELATIVE THAT HAS BEEN SLAIN IN BATTLE IN DEFENSE OF OUR FREEDOM, BUT OTHERS DO.  WHILE SOME DON'T DIRECTLY SHARE THE OTHER'S GRIEF, THEY DO SHARE THE FREEDOM THAT RESULTED FROM THAT ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.  SHOULD WE NOT TAKE THE TIME TO MEMORIALIZE THAT LOSS BY VISITING THE GRAVE SITE OF A FALLEN HERO?  THOSE WHO DO NOT FEEL THAT WAY, DO NOT DESERVE THE FREEDOMS THAT RESULTED FROM THAT ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.  MAY OUR WAR DEAD REST IN PEACE AND FOREVER BE REMEMBERED IN OUR HEARTS FOR GIVING US PEACE AND FREEDOM.