who said land of the free home of the brave

As believers we happen to have so much to be thankful for in regards to living in 'America', as believers. So, where does being 'American' fit in with all of this, especially on such a beloved holiday in America as 'Independence Day'. We do not belong to ourselves, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to faithful Saviour Jesus Christ (Heidelberg Catechism, Question 1). There is a great comfort in knowing that we belong to and are identified first with Christ – not self Christ – not success Christ – not the acceptance or approval of man Christ – not achievement Christ – not health Christ – not nationality, or political affiliation. And this certainty brings about joy in this life. As they honored him that day, I couldn’t help but envision Grandpa as a young soldier, in his crisp uniform, ready to take off and storm the beaches at Normandy.There is a great comfort in knowing who you are in Christ. I didn’t know him when he was in the service, but it didn’t matter. I found myself gasping for air as they handed flowers to his daughters. It was breathtakingly beautiful and achingly heart-wrenching, all at the same time. His son made the military a career and just a month after Grandpa left us, his little town in Northern NJ honored him and his sacrifices on Memorial Day. My husband’s grandfather, who lived to be nearly 90, served in WWII.

Fast forward to 2010, and I attended my first Memorial Day service in honor of a soldier who was no longer with us. There was a parade that went through Rosebank in Staten Island, NY, but I don’t remember paying much attention to the reason behind the holiday.

Memorial Day, for my non-military family, was about barbeques and family, laughter and fun. The fourth Monday in May each year, today is the day we remember the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom as Americans. Or perhaps “all gave some, but some gave all.” Or even, in the words of Lee Greenwood, “I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free and I won’t forget the men who died and gave that right to me!” There are countless colloquialisms, sayings, poems and songs that can be applied to Memorial Day.Īn unofficial holiday that sprung from the ashes of the Civil War, Memorial Day, as we know it, came to be in 1971. You’ve heard it said before: we are the home of the free because of the brave. The Home of the Free Because of the Brave

Who said land of the free home of the brave