My dear family and friends especially those who have served in the Armed forces of this great nation. I have many family members who are veterans and I am so grateful to them for their service. I do not think any of us thank them enough.
Memorial day is to help us remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us to keep our freedoms granted us by our Constitution and our Liberties are given to us by our Heavenly Father.
I marvel at all the stories in the Book of Mormon and the bible that deal with war. The lessons for us to learn to keep this nation safe and special. I fear that we have let Socialism creep into to much of our lives already. I fear that the great sacrifice of so many is being lost to us by corrupt politicians whose desire is to have complete control over our lives. Not allowing us to decide for ourselves as our Heavenly Father declared in the war in Heaven.
Following is a 16-year-old singing Halleluiah. She has a beautiful voice. I feel impressed it will help each of you feel the spirit as you adventure into this blog.
Halleluliah
Now a short memorial day tribute. Again thank you to those who sacrificed so much. Not only those who died but their families who gave so much. Our veterans have their own special day in September we are so grateful for each of you. Lets focus on those who like the Savior of this world gave their life for us.
Memorial Day Tribute
Now just a brief lesson is the history of the origins of Memeorial Day
Memorial Day: A forgotten history
Who can ever forget the tribute of Ronald Reagen for our fallen men and women?
Ronald Reagan
I now invite you to listen to Lee Greenwood sing "God bless the USA"
Lee Greenwood
A short but very touching lesson taught by a grandfather to his grandsons. Very moving.
I fought for you
The Tabernacle Choir sings: Just a quote from an individual who was touched by this song.
The only time I saw my dad cry was to this song. He was a Green Beret and was away when a young man in our church was killed by a land mine in Vietnam. My dad was asked to bring his body home. My dad was standing in the aisle of the church with the casket behind him. My grandpa was the pastor of the church. My family was seated in the balcony. He was standing there in his dress uniform larger than life itself. He tried but he couldn’t hold back the tears. I’m guessing he felt some guilt. My dad did four tours in Southeast Asia, cracked two vertebrae in his neck and fractured his skull in a parachuting accident and lived to see another day. The soldier was there for four months and didn’t survive. He also joined the Army because of my dad. I learned that day my dad was a human being. He was still my hero then and now. He’s been gone five years. I miss him but I find strength in knowing that I will one day see him again. I couldn’t listen to the song without crying until he passed away. I know that when he passed that burden he carried had been lifted away by God’s mercy.
Battle Hymn of the Republic
And in closing a very special excerpt of a talk given by President Thomas S. Monson
Thomas S. Monson
Family and friends. Debbie and I love each of you. We are so grateful for brothers, uncles, fathers, grandfathers, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and others whom I not thinking of at the moment who have served to protect our liberties. From the bottom of our hearts, we THANK YOU!
I testify that the God in Heaven our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ have great Eternal Rewards for each of you who have sacrificed so much for your fellow brothers and sisters. They love each of you and they hold a special place in their hearts for your willingness to give your life for another. "John 15:13, Christ laid down His life for us because He loved us. Greater Love. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Have a safe and special memorial day as you reflect and count your blessings of these special men and women who like Jesus Christ, gave all they had for us.
Love you all
Steven and Debbie Larsen