It’s Memorial Day, and many of you won’t see this until tomorrow, and that’s fine. It also means I’m not wrapped up in keeping this short so you can make it to the barbecue. So, let’s talk about why it’s important to remember our fallen warriors. In most cultures and religions, the dead are remembered, and in most, great warriors are celebrated and studied, but America remembers all of her battle-fallen on Memorial Day. The official history starts with the Civil War, where all the 620,000 soldiers killed were Americans, and few families were without loss. These days, most Americans don’t know a single American killed in battle, thank God. Most of our politicians don’t know a Gold Star Family and only 18% of Congress have served. While remembering our fallen warriors provides lessons in courage, patriotism, selflessness, and sacrifice, the Holy Day of Memorial Day reminds our government, politicians, and military leaders that the Mothers of America have entrusted them with the precious lives of their sons and daughters. Memorial Day is not just a reminder but a measure of accountability for all Americans that there is work that needs doing. As President Lincoln said, “that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” That means more than voting and politics. Politics is only part of the solution. President John Adams said, “Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other”. Thus, character is our foundation, starting at home, in our Churches, schools, youth sports teams, Scouts, and community groups. These are the places where the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are learned and connected to integrity, honor, diligence, industry, and the proposition that all men are created equal. So, raise the flag, half-staff until noon, have a barbecue, pause at 3 pm for a moment of prayer, and say the name of at least one fallen patriot. If you don’t know any, I know a few: Chance Phelps, Scott Pruitt, Zach Kolda, Jesse Strong, Megan McClung, and Domingo Arroyo. Here’s a prayer if you need one: O Lord, I commend the souls of your servants (their names) and beseech you to grant them rest in the place of thy rest, where all thy blessed Saints repose, and where the light of thy countenance shineth forever. And we ask thee to grant that we may live our lives worthy of their sacrifice and entry into thy heavenly Kingdom. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen Now, start the work of building a life of character worthy of the blood of patriots; may their memory be eternal. To become a better leader or improve your performance, sign up for my newsletter or set an appointment at the link below: https://connallyconsulting.com/contact Remember, “all things are possible through prayer and heavy deadlifts.”™
