It is Memorial Day in America, and we honor the men and women in uniform who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.

One of the most sobering experiences I’ve ever encountered was watching a flag-draped coffin aboard a military caisson drawn by a team of horses delivering another American hero to his final resting place in Arlington National Cemetary in Washington DC. Total silence, broken only by the clip-clop cadence of hooves and the creaking of that “last ride” leaves one in silent awe. I don’t know who the honored soldier was, but against the backdrop of some 400,000 headstones, an incredible sense of gratitude erupts. So many gave so much, and each living American should be thankful to live in a country where freedom reigns because of the incredible sacrifice of so many true heroes.

A couple days ago, I was blessed to see Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his 7 kids, joined by others, spend their Saturday morning sprucing up the Korean War Memorial on the National Mall in DC. Check it out:

I am grateful for an administration filled with patriots who honor our nation and our heroes. Let’s follow their lead. Almost all of us have family members or friends who have lost a loved one in service to our nation. Today, take time to reach out to them, thank them for the sacrifice of their loved one, and ask the Lord to bless them.

Happy Memorial Day, America!

PS: Ironically, today is also Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) in Israel, where they celebrate the reunification of Jerusalem and the end of the 1967 Six-Day War. Here is last night’s celebration at the Western Wall:

Two nations uniquely called by God. May the Lord’s blessings reign over both….and over your nation as well!