Memorial Day, a federal holiday dedicated to honoring U.S. military personnel who died in service, will be observed this year on Monday, May 25.

Many people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day. As much as we enjoy giving extra attention to vets on Veterans Day, Memorial Day is about honoring the

Every Memorial Day at 3 p.m. local time, wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, please take a moment to observe the

For just one full minute, Americans everywhere are asked to pause to pray for all the men and women who died in service to our country. (Set your phone calendar or alarm as a reminder.)

Many of us observe the holiday by visiting cemeteries or holding family gatherings, while others view it as just a day off work and the unofficial beginning of the summer season. But Memorial Day is so much more … it’s about remembering those who have served and sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. (Remember to pray for their families, as well.)

Sacrifice … while we remember our service men and women and their families, also remember and thank

Jesus,

Who gave the ultimate sacrifice on the Cross. Have you accepted His gift so that you are able to spend eternity in heaven with Him? (Romans 10:9-10)

1John 2:2 – “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

The symbolism of the poppy flower honoring our military started with a poem written by a World War I brigade surgeon. Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, struck by the sight of bright red blooms on broken ground, wrote a poem, “In Flanders Field,” in which he channeled the voice of the fallen soldiers buried under those hardy poppies.

‘In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.’

Romans 5:8 – “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and resurrection offers an eternal gift. Visit

VBS4ever.com to learn how to accept His gift of salvation and spend eternity in heaven with Him.