Friend,

I hope you're having a safe and enjoyable holiday with your family this Memorial Day. In many ways, this one is different than in previous years.

We reflect now, as we always do, on the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve freedom in this, the greatest nation on earth. But this year, for most Americans, the holiday will be more quiet than usual.

Memorial Day typically marks the beginning of summer, with big group picnics and barbecues and patriotic parades. But the pandemic currently prevents most of that.

Maybe the silver lining of the relative calm today is that it will allow even more emphasis on the true meaning of this important holiday.

Sadly, a national poll this week found that only 43 percent of Americans are aware that Memorial Day is meant to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. We need to remedy this, and remind the current generation of the fragile nature and incalculable cost of our freedom.

I shared this anonymous quote with my children this morning, and we talked about it at length: "Our flag doesn't fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it."

Parades and community picnics are good, but given the recent statistics, I think a more somber remembrance and thoughtful discussions this year are much more valuable.

As the saying goes, "We are the home of the free BECAUSE OF the brave."

Amen.

Gratefully,
Mike Johnson