The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
Does our nation really have anything to be ‘celebrating’ this Memorial Day weekend?
Of course we do! We always have good reason to remember our fallen heroes in uniform, past and present, who have served our country honorably. Originally called ‘Decoration Day,’ it began as a day set aside to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers of the Civil War. Though its origination is disputed, in 1968 Lyndon Johnson signed a proclamation stating that it began 100 years earlier. To honor those who had died fighting the Civil War, in Waterloo, New York Henry Welles decorated the graves of soldiers in three area cemeteries. On May 30, 1868, Gen. John Alexander Logan, made it a national day of remembrance. A day of remembrance for those who have sacrificed their lives to make our nation great.
It has evolved into a day in which we decorate the graves of everyone who has gone on before us, not just the heroes of our nation. It gives us a day to show our love for those to whom we can no longer demonstrate our love. Today, however, this holiday has become more about the long weekend get-away, cookouts, and dressing up the team for a parade than to actually honor our fallen heroes. Locals line the streets to watch small town parades but how many spectators choose to stick around for the speeches giving tribute to those we are there to honor?
This Memorial Day our nation is in the midst of the VA hospital scandal. What a stain on this nation, that our government is failing those who have served to protect our freedom. Do we now just take their service for granted? Not bothering to listen to speeches and worse yet – not caring for them adequately upon their return. We need to show the respect that they deserve?
A 2012 US Census Bureau comparison of estimates reveals that we need to re-evaluate our priorities. The report indicated we had 21,230,865 civilian veterans – (to whom we have a moral obligation.) This same estimate indicates, that in this nation, we have 22,138,421 who are not US citizens. In September of 2013 government demographers estimated the illegal population to be at about 11 million. However, the NAFBPO disputes this claim stating the figure is more like 18 to 20 million and rising daily. Michelle Malkin, citing statements from whistleblowers, states that illegals are receiving better benefits than our veterans. If either of these claims are proven to be true will we see a surge in outrage of the populous? …Shouldn’t we?
Hebrews 11:39 (VOICE) These, though commended by God for their great faith, did not receive what was promised.
On the contrary, there are millions of people, envious (with good reason) of the freedom and opportunity that we take for granted. Millions cross our borders illegally who are robbing benefits and opportunities from our veterans and our citizens. In America, we are happy to welcome immigrants who come here legally. However, we must protect our laws, borders, veterans and our citizens if we expect our country to remain a nation of freedom and opportunity.
James 3:16 (VOICE) Any place where you find jealousy and selfish ambition, you will discover chaos and evil thriving under its rule.
In our homes, we are the ones to decide whom to invite in. Strangers cannot simply walk through our doors, claim our property and set up residency. We have the right to defend our home. We call America the land of the free and the home of the brave. This is our homeland. Should we not provide for our family (our veterans and citizens)? Should we not be guarding and defending our home (our borders) from intruders and thieves? Our borders are the doors of our home. Why are we not securing our ‘doors’ against uninvited guests, allowing them to enter without restriction?
As we honor those who have laid down their lives for us let vow to do so by respecting this nation and its laws. As we remember those who have served the citizens of this great nation let us remember the greatest servant of all, Jesus Christ, who laid down his life on the cross, for our freedom, by respecting Him and by obeying His laws as well.
John 15:13 (NIV) Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Well said Melinda !!! You are so right about the small town parades. Since as far back as the late sixties my husband & I have attened our small town parade,where
you had to get there early if you wanted to see it up close.(yes we did listen to the heartfelt speeches)
We even held our hands over our hearts then (still do ) as our grand old flag passed before us.(also at sporting events today we do the same).
Now we have “plently ” of room to stand at our local parade,as sadly there is hardly anyone there,and you only see the 60+ with hand over hearts when our dear old flag passes by. Tommrow we will be taking our 9yr old grandson to the parade with us & makeing sure he understands his great uncle(Carl Wayne Oliver) died in Viet Nam to ensure his freedom.
As the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of our Freedom, The Cross is our symbol of liberating our soul’s.
I did not intend to make this looong comment,but Bless God, I have Red,White & Blue blood running in my entire body.
Please keep your great comments coming.
Yes, Melinda, the points you have made should make every American very angry. Thanks for pointing out that there are as many illegal aliens in this country as there are veterans, and the veterans are not being treated right. I do not see this changing, unfortunately, under the current administration. We will have our chance to kick a lot of people out of office in the next election, IF, and only IF, people get out and vote!