“Flags In” (05/25/2026)

This week, across America, hundreds of active military members meticulously placed flags at the foot of the gravestones of the fallen heroes of our country. The protocol is called “Flags In” and it involves not only adherence to strict guidelines but also respect for those honored.

The individual soldiers walk up to the gravestones, place their booted toe against the base of the grave marker and insert the flag staff directly into the ground at the back of their heel. Then each soldier pauses and reads the name of the fallen service member. And the name of the fallen as well as their memory lives on. Traditionally, it is the soldiers of the 3^rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (the Old Guard) that perform this ritual of honor and memory.

Today, across America, we are asked to remember and honor those who have given their lives in battles for us, for country, for freedom, for good. Remembering such sacrifices as a nation is not only unifying, it is also humbling, reminding us that what we enjoy came at a cost. There are not words in the English language to convey adequately the cost of our freedom or the cost of loving well and long. These men and women we honor today paid that cost. We owe them far more than a day.

We Christians understand the need to remember the sacrifice of another for us. Our whole way of life is centered around one who gave everything so we might be free from sin and death. We remember Him. We celebrate His love for us.

Today, as we celebrate this national holiday, let us celebrate, too, what is possible when individuals deny self and love well and long.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.