More Than a BBQ: Remembering the Cost of Freedom

I had to be at an important meeting in Austin, Texas, and was flying out of my least favorite airport — Baltimore. I was running late and didn’t realize I had to take a shuttle to get to the gate. By the time I finally arrived, out of breath and stressed, I made the flight only to discover we were on hold.

After several minutes, the pilot explained that we were waiting for a flight carrying soldiers returning from a German hospital, where they had been treated for combat wounds sustained in Afghanistan.

Suddenly, my meeting didn’t seem very important.

I wasn’t prepared for what came next.

Fifteen young men — perhaps between 19 and 25 years old — boarded the plane. Each bore the visible scars of severe burns on their faces and hands. Some had mouths and noses reconstructed, their features altered by the trauma they had endured. In that moment, my heart broke for them and for the families waiting to receive them.

I thought about how their mothers, fathers, spouses, and children would react upon seeing their beloved sons and husbands forever changed. I prayed they would wrap their arms around them tightly, loving them beyond the wounds, beyond the scars, beyond the horror war had inflicted.

As they boarded the plane, I started clapping. Soon, the rest of the passengers joined in. I noticed one young soldier’s eyes fill with tears.

When we landed, the pilot asked us to remain seated so the soldiers could exit first. Once again, the cabin erupted in applause.

I have thought of those young men many times since then and pray for their lives to be reclaimed and for healing to find them in ways seen and unseen. It reminds me to also pray for all who have sacrificed physically, emotionally, and mentally in service to our country. Some made the ultimate sacrifice. Others returned home carrying sacrifices that did not end on the battlefield.

Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer.

Originally called Decoration Day, it began after the Civil War as a time to honor fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers and flags. Over time, it became a national day of remembrance for all American military personnel who died in service to our country.

Ways to Honor Memorial Day

• Visit a veteran’s cemetery or memorial.
• Attend a local Memorial Day service or parade.
• Fly the American flag at half-staff until noon.
• Pray for military families and wounded veterans.
• Donate to organizations supporting veterans and Gold Star families.
• Write a letter or message of gratitude to someone who served.
• Teach younger generations the meaning behind the holiday.
• Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m.

There is something sacred about remembering. Scripture often calls God’s people to pause and remember—remember deliverance, remember sacrifice, remember those who came before them. Memory shapes gratitude. It humbles us. It reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy were paid for by others.

Perhaps that is one reason the story of the daughters of Zelophehad has always touched me so deeply. In Numbers 27, these five sisters step forward because they do not want their father’s name and memory to disappear from among his people. Their courage was rooted in remembrance, honor, and legacy. Memorial Day, too, asks us not to allow names, sacrifices, and stories to be forgotten.

As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, may we do more than enjoy the long weekend. May we always remember.