Interesting facts about Memorial Day:

First, it was first instituted as Decoration Day.

Second, it was started shortly after the Civil War.

Third, the first observance was by formerly enslaved black people in Charleston, South Carolina.

Fourth, Memorial Day was chosen because May 30th did not fall on the day of any particular battle.

Fifth, Memorial Day was moved from May 30th to the last Monday in May. This change was made in 1971. The reason was to give people a three-day weekend.

Sixth, many groups protest the change as taking away the specialness of the day and just making it a longer weekend does not lead to greater honor for those who have died.

It is a problem: That we might forget. The United States would look so much different if the South had seceded from the Union or if Germany or Japan had won WWI or WWII. Many Americans have enjoyed the privileges of unity and freedom without having had to face the real cost. Some of you have known those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Memorial Day is a day you remember, because these people and their sacrifices should never be forgotten. Yet many have.

George Santayana, in his book “Life of Reason, Reason In Common Sense” said, “Those who can not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.`` William Shirer included this in his book, “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.” The picture is this: If we do not remember the conflicts, we will have to fight them all over again. If we do not remember the causes of strife, they will reoccur.

When we remember the past, we appreciate the sacrifices that much more. The Civil War was both tragic in that family was fighting family, and heroic, as people fought for principles they deeply believed in. When we look at the strength of the German and Japanese war machines, when we look at the question that burned across America, (should we get involved), when we look at the value systems that those countries held, we appreciate how everyone stepped up to the plate to mobilize and work towards victory during World War II.

This explains in part the role the teaching of history has in our schools. The lessons of history should help us not repeat mistakes made in the past. The lessons of history should give us perspective on the world around us. The lessons of history should help us appreciate sacrifices made on our behalf.

If not, we would be sure to forget. If the people who died for our freedom only gave us freedom for one or two generations, then that would be a tragedy. If the third generations forgets, it may repeat the mistakes of the pass. Indifference, lack of concern can lead to a lack of appreciation, a lack of respect for those who gave so much.

The same is true of the cross. The old hymn says,

“On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross.

The emblem of suffering and shame.

And I love that old cross.

Where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross.

Till my trophies at last I lay down.

I will cling to the old rugged cross.

And exchange it some day for a crown.”

Today gangsters wear crosses. For some reason the cross has become a piece of fashion jewelry. We can get it in gold or silver. I saw a cross for sale on the internet at itshot.com.

“This Designer 14k Men's Diamond Cross Pendant is another Exclusive Designer collection piece. It is very large and features 43.45 carats of top quality princess cut diamonds invisible set into the solid, high polished 14k Gold frame. This designer diamond cross pendant is the ultimate in luxury jewelry. “ The cross is 5 ¼ inches long and 2 7/8 inches wide. It’s a beautiful piece of jewelry.

How much different from the hard wooden cross that Jesus died on. His cross was a cross of shame, not of luxury. Have we forgotten?

I remember many of the old timers, those people saved in the 30’s 40’s and 50’s. They had an old fashioned love for the cross. They remembered some important truths.

First, we all were dead in our transgressions and sins (Eph. 2:1NIV). 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins

Second, our way of life caused us to be objects of God’s wrath (Eph. 2:2-3NIV). 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

Third, God took people who were spiritually dead and made them alive because of his great love for us (Eph. 2:4-5NIV). 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.

Those people were us. The Old Rugged Cross is an older song. There is a newer song that also shows this same appreciation. It performed by Chris Tomlin and its called You Are My King (Amazing Love).

You Are My King

Chorus 1

Amazing love

How can it be

That You my King

Would die for me

Amazing love

I know it's true

It's my joy to honor You

In all I do I honor You

Verse 1

I'm forgiven

Because You were forsaken

I'm accepted

You were condemned

I'm alive and well

Your Spirit is within me

Because You died

And rose again

Misc 1(ENDING)

You are my King

You are my King

Jesus You are my King

Jesus You are my King.

Used by permission. © 1996 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Billy Foote. CCLI License No. 785898