Reflection for Memorial Day
This
coming Monday is Memorial Day. Not that
you probably needed any reminder. It
traditionally marks the beginning of summer and is frequently celebrated with
parties and barbecues. But its original
and real meaning is much more important and sobering. Memorial Day, or “Decoration Day” as it was
originally called, came into being shortly after the Civil War. More American lives were lost in that
conflict than any other and veteran’s cemeteries were established in every
state to remember and mourn the nation’s great loss. By the late 1860’s, towns and cities had
begun annual springtime festivities to remember their fallen. In 1868, May 30th
was nationally designated as “Decoration Day” to honor the veterans.
In
the twentieth century, Decoration Day eventually became known as “Memorial Day”
and was extended to honor all veterans who had given their lives in
conflict. In 1971, Memorial Day was
permanently fixed as the last Monday in May so that government employees could
have a three-day weekend. The fixed date
had the unintended cultural consequence of diminishing the true meaning of
Memorial Day as a day to remember our fallen and instead became the unofficial beginning
of the summer season. Still, there are
many who celebrate Memorial Day as a day to remember those who have passed
on. Cemeteries around the country are
lavishly decorated with flowers on that day to remember not only our veterans
but also all of our loved ones.
Last
month, I wrote about my brother’s battle with cancer. He took his last breath two days after I
wrote my piece. I’m still reeling and
reflecting. He was only six years older
and lived a much healthier lifestyle than me.
I’ve been staring my own mortality in the face. The Preacher of Ecclesiastes wrote these
disturbing words:
A good name is better
than fine perfume,
and the day of death
better than the day of birth.
It is better to go to
a house of mourning
than to go to a house
of feasting,
for death is the
destiny of everyone;
the living should
take this to heart (Ecc. 7:1-2).
I
use these verses at every funeral I officiate.
They’re sobering. Fine perfume is
wonderful for a moment but it takes a lifetime to cultivate a good name. In the same way, the day of one’s birth
offers a wonderful moment of excitement and possibility, but nothing yet has
been forged from the young life. The day
of one’s death, on the other hand, is an event that affords reflection on all
that has been accomplished in a lifetime.
These are thoughts that we would rather not entertain. But wisdom insists that we do. “The living should take this to heart.”
I
was at my brother’s bedside minutes after he breathed his last. I looked into his face and was shocked. It was clear that no one was there. His soul was gone. That same moment will also come for you and
for me. Death stalks us all; we do not
know when it will call our name. What
have you done with your life? What will
be said of your “good name?” On Monday,
pause to reflect on the good name of your loved ones who have gone before
you. Remember and celebrate with great
joy – maybe a few hamburgers and brats, too!
But also reflect, “What have I done with my life?” If you’re reading this, there’s still time to
make a name for yourself. Make it a good
one.
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