Milspouse Matters Episode 40 Memorial Day Episode
Lessons to Remember on Memorial Day
This is a special episode to me. It’s so important to remember those who have given up their lives in service to our country and to honor the families left behind, and this Memorial Day we are striving to do just that. When we were stationed in Germany, we had the privilege of attending Memorial Day ceremonies at the Lorraine American Cemetery in St. Avold, France, where the largest number of American service members killed in Europe during WWII have been laid to rest. It’s an experience I’ll never forget. It left me with thoughts like,
To those of us left behind is assigned the task of remembering. To not let their sacrifice be forgotten. To resolve to live in freedom.
But what does that look like? I won’t be fighting in any wars soon. How can I take the emotions and thoughts that struck me so strongly that day and apply them to my own life? How exactly do I live in freedom? How do I really live?
Etched on the chapel wall at the Lorraine Cemetery are the words:
HERE WE AND ALL WHO SHALL HEREAFTER
LIVE IN FREEDOM
WILL BE REMINDED THAT TO THESE MEN AND THEIR COMRADES
WE OWE A DEBT TO BE PAID.
WITH GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE OF THEIR SACRIFICE
AND WITH HIGH RESOLVE THAT
THE CAUSE FOR WHICH THEY DIED SHALL LIVE
This episode is a special remembrance for Memorial Day. I’m sharing a little bit of the history of Memorial Day (once called Decoration Day), along with some excerpts from my upcoming book. This week, let’s remember the fallen, along with their families who must carry on without them.
How do we honor those who’ve sacrificed their lives for our country? How do we truly live and respect what they gave up? Join me for this short episode and take a moment to remember.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Lorraine American Cemetery in France site
- Text of “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae
- Won Without Words blog
Thanks to First Command for supporting this episode of the Milspouse Matters Podcast. Visit firstcommand.com to learn more about free financial coaching, as well as information about military spouse careers.
More resources for your military life:
- Milspouse Matters on Instagram
- Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group
- Find the complete Milspouse Matters show archive and listen to every episode
Get Jen’s books, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse and Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories.
Have a topic idea for the Milspouse Matters podcast or know someone who’d be a great guest? Send me a note or fill out our guest application.
