This weekend about 250,000 flags will be placed in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., and countless other flags and flowers at cemeteries across the country. Memorial Day is a day to remember those who’ve died serving in the U.S. military and now many also remember relatives and friends who have passed on.

Civil War veteran Gen. John A. Logan called in 1868 for Americans to decorate the graves of those who fell during the “War Between the States,” including those who fought for the Confederacy. It was hoped this could be a symbol of healing for the country.

There is something very powerful about communal remembrance — when we gather together as a family or a nation to reflect on significant people and events of the past. We see this emphasis on “remembering” throughout the Bible. When Joshua set up a memorial to mark the event of the Ark of the Covenant crossing the Jordan River, to remind future generations of what had happened there, he said:

“Choose 12 men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.” — Joshua 4:2-9

Moses seems to say this in his final address to the people he’s led for decades that there is one theme throughout: Remember! Remember not to forget. Don’t forget to remember. Remember to remember. “Only be careful,” Moses warns, “and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your hearts as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Moses anticipates that success will be a particular temptation.

Share with your children the stories of Valley Forge, Gettysburg, D-Day, Iwo Jima, Vietnam and other battles. Take those moments to honor those soldiers who died, giving us the right to express opinions about our government and decisions made. So many places in this world, so many “free” countries, don’t give their citizens the right to have a dissenting opinion of the government or its officials.

Our military members stand guard each day to protect our borders, our way of life and our freedom. As the saying goes, “All gave some; some gave all.” This day we give thanks to those who gave all. We pray for families who lost a mother, father, son, daughter, husband, wife, brother or sister. It’s not just the soldier who paid a high price. The family did as well.

We also need to remember God’s faithfulness. Our nation has been protected and prospered. We have a Constitution and government that has lasted more than 200 years. Even in our personal lives we can look back and remember.

What are some events that you can look back on as a pile of stones marking a defining moment for you — a moment when God showed his power in your life, when he was guiding you in a very clear way, when he answered a prayer, fulfilled a promise?

“I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:12).

Have a blessed Memorial Day … and remember.

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Bob Shillingstad is a regular contributor on religion to The Press. Email Bob: [email protected]