Memorial Day: A Time to Remember
May 25, 2026
I was born into a family with great love for our country and the freedom it gives to all who live here. This country is far from perfect, but that does not take away from the fact that it has provided more opportunities and freedom than any other nation has in history. On this day we remember those that gave their lives in defense of the United States. It is them we remember and it is the freedom we live in, as a result, that we celebrate!
John 14:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
Jesus spoke these words during his final days before laying his own life down for us all. In just the verse prior he says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
In our world today I sometimes feel like we have forgotten what it means to truly love one another, and I feel like we have forgotten how to remember. We focus on ourselves, our wants, our needs, our problems, and our perceived injustices that we face. We set others aside so that we can achieve that which we feel like we deserve. This is the opposite of what I believe we are called to do.
Today, I truly want to take time to remember. To remember those that came before us that followed the words of Jesus. Those that willingly laid down their lives for others. Those that set themselves aside so that others could live their lives to the fullest. I want to remember that sacrifice and put myself in the mindset to be willing to do the same.
Now, more than likely I will not have to lay down my life in war, but I can lay down the selfish desires of my life for the love of those around me. I can set aside my wants, to provide for someone else’s needs. I can set aside my problems, so that I do not cause problems for others. I can forgive the injustices I feel like I have received and break the cycle of perpetual retaliation!
While my grandparents did not die in war, they served valiantly. One of my grandfathers lost his leg overseas. When he returned, he did not let his loss of limb handicap him. Instead, he chose to remember through this quote, “Always remember who you are and what you stand for!” He never forgot who he was, or whose he was! He was a saved follower of Christ and exemplified that by daily laying down his life for the lives of others.
Today, take the time to remember. Maybe you know someone who gave their life for this country. They literally gave all they have and as a result we have all benefited. What in your life can you lay down today, to benefit those around you?
If you have any stories of family members you remember on this Memorial Day we would love to hear about it!
If you have any questions on your accounts, please reach out to Dale, Jack, or me.
I pray each of you have a blessed Memorial Day with time to both remember and celebrate!
Semper Fi,
D. Stewart Ditto II
(This is Billy Haughton, my mom’s dad who lost his leg in Korea. In this picture you see both his patriotism, and the joy in which he lived out his life)
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