Memorial Day reminds us of the importance of "remembering."

Locked away, down deep inside your heart, is a treasure house that only you can open. Inside are memories and visions from the past that time can never erase.

Not all these memories are pleasant. There are some sad recollections. Some memories are even tinged with tears. But there are happy memories, too, recollections you would not exchange for any sum of money in the world.

Memory! What a wonderful gift! Our memories neatly store away many good things from the past. Memory also helps to carry us through the present.

Decoration Day or "Memorial Day" emerged from the shadows of the War Between the States. It was first observed in the South. Before the close of the war, a group of women decorated the graves of those who had died in that war. A few years later, in 1868, May 30 was set aside as a day for placing flowers on the graves of soldiers throughout the United States of America.

Soon Decoration Day was observed each year across the country. Since World War I, this day in May has been used to honor the fallen dead of all our wars. We should remember the price they paid for all that we enjoy today. Be sure your children understand that others gave their lives in sacrifice for our great heritage.

How quickly we forget. We forget how much we owe to our country. But even more tragic, we forget how much we owe to our God. Each Lord's Day should really be a memorial day, to remind us of God's mercies. A forgetful heart soon becomes a foolish heart. An ungrateful attitude soon becomes a highway to ungodly living.

"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth,
while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh."
(Ecclesiastes 12:1)