The USS Arizona Memorial by wallyg

It really was very moving.

A number of years ago my wife and I had the opportunity to visit the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. It sits atop one of the ships (the USS Arizona) sunk on December 7, 1941. It was a sobering reminder of the scale of sacrifice that occurred that day.

The observance was quiet, respectful and heart-felt. This experience increased my respect and appreciation for all who have selflessly served to protect this nation and preserve our freedoms.

Aerial view of USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL from expertinfantry

According to Wikipedia, Memorial Day “commemorates U.S. Service Members who died while in the military service” and was “first enacted by former enslaved Africans to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War” and was then “extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.”

Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (KJV John 15:13)

And Jesus’ disciple John wrote, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” (KJV 1 John 3:14)

In Christian Science I have learned that our real life comes from God and is eternal. But we’re still working out our salvation up to the full recognition of this spiritual fact. Whenever we find ourselves dealing with the loss of human life in our experience, I think the thing most needed is to feel God’s love.

Memorial Day, observed in the U.S., serves as an annual reminder of the selfless love expressed by so many in their service.

I’m grateful !