Today is the day America honors our fallen heroes. To the early patriots who gave their lives for America’s freedom in the Revolutionary War and the brave who died in droves during our Civil War, we owe a profound debt of gratitude for the sacrifice necessary to establish and uphold our new Constitutional Republic. To those lives lost in World Wars, we thank you for making America mighty, strong, and respected. To those who endured incredible hardship and death in Vietnam, Korea and so many other conflicts, we salute your bravery and courage. To the men and women who died on battlefields in the Middle East and elsewhere, your sacrifice is honored today. To every person who sacrificed while in American uniform, we thank you and we honor you.

Memorial Day was once one of America’s most patriotic days, but sadly, it seems to have drifted into little more than a paid day off. Let’s change that! Today, will you take a moment privately, with your family, or with your friends to stop and honor our American heroes? Will you lead in prayers of gratitude to God for blessing us with willing soldiers, airmen, marines, sailors, and guardsmen? (Don’t forget our first responders, as well.) Will you honor them and their families by praying words of thankful blessings over them?

As we celebrate our nation’s military heritage, listen carefully to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent comments of rededication of America to God. Then, as we move toward our 250th Independence Day in only 6 weeks, turn on your patriotism! Fly the red, white, and blue, and participate in the upcoming festivities. America needs patriotism, particularly among Christians! Let’s do our part to honor God and country…in that order!