Memorial Day is a day set aside to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

Remembering our history is vital to guiding our future.

History Class // Memorial Day

I can still remember sitting in History class learning about U.S. History and World History while looking at the clock. Since graduating from school, my history education was not my job. I’ve read articles, books, seen movies, visited museums, taken tours, and spoken to veterans to learn about history. It’s essential to learn about our history to know where we’ve come from and how we have gotten to today. Sometimes it’s heroic, sometimes it’s tragic, and sometimes it’s sobering.

Winston Churchill wrote, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”

There are times when we have to stand against evil, and that stand can cost us dearly. Here are two significant points in our history that cost many lives.

Civil War: “The Civil War in the United States began in 1861, after decades of simmering tensions between northern and southern states over slavery, states’ rights, and westward expansion.” (History.com)

Deaths: 620,000 (maybe as high as 800,000)

World War II: “On September 1, 1939, Hitler invaded Poland from the west; two days later, France and Britain declared war on Germany, beginning World War II.” (History.com)

Deaths: 405,399

According to statista.com, there have been about 1.4 million military deaths from the Civil War through the Gulf War.

In today’s society, we’ve seen protests (and riots) around racism, gun control, elections, and more. Our world always seems to be in turmoil.

The Ultimate War

There was another point in history that involved a single life sacrificed for the good of others, and that was Jesus. While it’s important to learn about history from a world and societal perspective, it’s critical to learn about history from an eternal perspective. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus has impacted billions of people worldwide and will do so for eons to come.

• How much time have you spent learning about Jesus and understanding what He did for us?
• Do we apply those lessons to our life?
• Do we thank Him for the sacrifice He made on our behalf?

Like our historical examples, such as the Civil War, we may look at those from a distance and not appreciate what took place. We run that same danger when we read about Jesus and think, “well that was back then.” That event may have taken place somewhere back in history, but its impact can still be felt today.

We enjoy worldly freedom in the United States because of the sacrifice made by millions of veterans. We enjoy eternal freedom because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The Holy Spirit is always with us. He guides us towards God’s Word and helps us remember the battle from 2,000 years ago.

Thank you to the veterans whose lives were sacrificed so that we may enjoy freedom. Happy memorial day.

Thank you to Jesus Christ, whose life was sacrificed so we may enjoy eternity.