Monday Morning Motivational Message - The Meaning Of Memorial Day

What does it mean to remember someone, to memorialize them?

It's been said that we all die twice, once when we stop breathing, and the second time, a little later, the last time someone remembers us or mentions our name.

Memorial Day originated after the American Civil War but became an official national holiday in 1971. It was originally known as Decoration Day and honors the men and women who died serving the United States as members of the military.

While we all want to be remembered, very few of us will leave a legacy that will last for generations. One hundred years from now, most of us will be forgotten.

But our legacy can live on even if nobody remembers our name through the connections we make with others today.  

Most of us either grew up with or have seen or heard about Fred Rogers. Mr. Rogers, on his television show, Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, educated so many young people, including me, on public television.

When Fred Roger died in 2003, his family was going through his effects and found his wallet. Inside the wallet was a scrap piece of paper on which Mr. Rogers had written four simple words, "Life is for service."

If you want to leave a lasting legacy when you are gone, create a life of example, of service, and of resiliency. Impart the things you believe are important to your family, friends, and associates, and be an exemplar of someone who connected with others and spent their life in service for the betterment of others.

On this Memorial Day, as we honor those who gave the last full measure of devotion for our country, as it says in John 15:13 - "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend."