Stop to Remember

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,” 1 Timothy 2:1-3 NKJV

On March 22, 2026, the White House issued the Memorial Day, 2026 Proclamation that read in part:

The greatest fighting force the world has ever known is built upon the extraordinary service of selfless men and women who safeguard our liberty and preserve our way of life. Since the birth of our Nation nearly 250 years ago, countless souls have lost their lives in this noble and righteous pursuit. On Memorial Day, we honor these American heroes.

America endures in strength, power, and prosperity because of the awe-inspiring selflessness and valor of those in uniform willing to lay down their lives in its defense. From the frozen fields of Valley Forge and the beaches of Normandy to the jungles of Vietnam and the mountains of Afghanistan, the sacrifice across our Armed Forces is the foundation upon which our Republic stands. Today, we especially remember the 13 members of the Joint Force who have fallen in support of Operation Epic Fury to defend our national security and preserve the blessings of liberty for future generations. These warfighters lost their lives for freedom’s cause and we will never forget the cost.

All Americans inherit the glorious gift of liberty that has been purchased with the spilled blood of brave warriors and the tears and heartache of those they left behind. It is fitting and necessary for our Nation to pause for an annual reminder of the enduring and perilously high cost of freedom, but the immeasurable gravity of what has been sacrificed for the greater good deserves our eternal reverence and unwavering gratitude every day…

And, you know, I couldn’t agree more. Which is the very reason I will be pausing to remember the fallen, to pray for those left to mourn their passing, and expressing my gratitude for the awesome privilege of living in a country that was made great by the blood of those who fought for our freedom… and I hope you will too. 

You see, Memorial Day isn’t just a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer. It’s a sacred day to honor the brave men and women who died for our country—the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for our liberty. This day reminds us of a powerful truth: freedom isn’t free.

Which is the reason, every American should stop to pray for our nation and give thanks for the ultimate sacrifice of fallen service members responsible for our hard-won peace. When we stop remembering the cost of freedom, we take it for granted. 
So, on this Memorial Day, let us pause, give thanks, and pray that America never forgets her fallen heroes my friend. 

* At 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, all Americans are asked to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance by pausing for one minute to reflect on and honor those who died in service to the United States. The time is specifically chosen to take place when most people are enjoying the freedoms that service members fought to protect.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the brave American soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom. Help us to never forget what they’ve done that we might never take freedom for granted. Lord, more than that, though, thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that provided the ultimate freedom… freedom from sin and its consequences. Help us to live lives of gratitude for both of these Lord that we might honor their actions. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!