November 10: Forget-Me-Not Day

November 10:  Forget Me Not Day

Forget-me-nots are beautiful flowers.  Their petals blossom is pastel colors that include more than 50 different species. Forget-me-not Day originated with World War I, when American soldiers would return from the war wounded. These veterans came home at rates far higher than expected, and there were very few organizations and services available for those wounded in the war. Because of the massive influx of wounded warriors, Judge Robert S. Marx, a decorated World War I veteran, founded Forget-me-not Day in 1920 to help remind people of the sacrifices made during World War I, raising funds for disabled veterans through selling flowers, specifically forget-me-nots. In addition, he helped establish the Disabled American Veteran’s Organization which survives to this day.

For those of us who live in the USA, we are fond of saying that “freedom isn’t free,” meaning that our freedoms and many of the freedoms that other countries enjoy were paid for with the lives of our fallen soldiers.  One pundit once remarked that if we were serious about the Nobel Peace Prize, we should award one to the US military.  I believe he is correct.  Fewer organizations in the history of the world have done more to promote and protect freedom than our military.

As Veteran’s Day approaches, we would do well to remember the words of 1 Timothy 2:  “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.…” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).  Do you see the connection between government and the ability to live in peace?  

Don’t be confused.  This passage is not an appeal to be left alone to do our own thing.  The peace that we seek is a means to a very specific end--To live godly lives, to the end that people might be saved.  Our military has bled and died for that freedom, for that peace, to that end.  Let’s not waste it.  I urge every reader to pray for our government, for our military, and for our veterans.  I urge every believer to embrace the freedom we enjoy to advance the Kingdom and share the gospel with others. Forget-me-nots are inexpensive and hearty.  Consider planting some to remind you of this day, and the freedoms that we enjoy, to the end that God may be glorified by those freedoms.