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Faith Focus: The sacrifices of those who came before us

More than 400,000 people – largely former members of the military – are buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Nearly 5,000 of those individuals are unknown soldiers who fought for our country.

Even when I visited the site as a child, the scene was breathtaking. I remember being taken aback by the sheer vastness of the cemetery, which is the second largest in the nation. Each of the tombstones marks the resting place of someone who paid the ultimate price for our freedom in this nation, for my freedom in this nation.

In many ways, feeling grateful by itself feels inadequate.

With great freedom comes great responsibility. We are charged to continue to fight for the freedom that made this nation. We are challenged to carry forward that legacy of service.

Galatians 5:13-14 tells us how that can be done: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

As we celebrate Memorial Day, let’s reflect upon what it means to serve and sacrifice. Then, let’s carry that legacy forward as we share the hope of Christ with others. 

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Fraser, Arlington National Cemetary. 

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