“More than just a day off, Memorial Day is a day to solemnly remember those who have given their lives in service to the American people and gifted us with the privilege of living in a place we can still call ‘the land of the free and the home of the brave.’” — Dr. Robert Jeffress
DALLAS — Dr. Robert Jeffress, the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, releases the following statement on the occasion of Memorial Day:
“Of the countless blessings we enjoy in America, I can think of no other I’m more grateful for today than the honor of living in a land of heroes. The men and women whom we remember on Memorial Day have not only given their lives in service to the American people — they have gifted us with the privilege of living in a place we can still call ‘the land of the free and the home of the brave.’
“As of a year ago, 651,031 American servicemen and women died in battle from the American Revolution through to the Global War on Terror. An additional 539,054 died while in service but not in battle. The total, 1,190,085 is higher than the population of Austin or Boston or Detroit or Miami. But even this number doesn’t take into account the parents who never saw their children again, the children who grew up without their parents, and the spouses making their way through the world alone. The heroism of our fallen and of their families is beyond calculation, save for the freedom we enjoy, the safety of our families, and the dreams we can pursue.
“It is the sacrifice of our fallen that has made American freedom the envy of the world. Today, they deserve far more than a passing thought. Memorial Day, is, above all things, a day to remember. They deserve the full weight of our gratitude and to never be forgotten. On this Memorial Day, let us thank our heroes and thank our God that we live in this beautiful and free country.
“The best way to tangibly express gratitude to our fallen is to reach out to those currently in uniform and their families. Chances are there is someone in your neighborhood whose son or daughter is serving in the military who will be glad for your sincere interest. Chances are there is an organization in your city dedicated to serving the military who would welcome your involvement. Chances are there is a military base in your region with soldiers and their families far from home who would appreciate encouragement. Reach out to them — find a military family to love, today.”
Dr. Robert Jeffress is a best-selling author of 24 books, a nationally and internationally syndicated TV and radio host and the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, one of the largest and most influential churches in America. Pathway to Victory, Dr. Jeffress’ broadcast ministry, airs daily nationwide on more than 900 radio stations and is broadcast live to 195 countries. His latest book, “A Place Called Heaven: 10 Surprising Truths About Your Eternal Home,” is available in bookstores everywhere. He is an evangelical adviser to the president of the United States, Donald J. Trump.
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