In the Old Testament, the Hebrew people were told to remember the Passover. To "remember" in that sense was not simple recollection. By recalling and re-enacting, they believed that they somehow made the past present.
One of my traditions on Memorial Day to watch Saving Private Ryan and/or Glory. I know that these are just artistic representations of the actual events and do not come close to really capturing the real horror and valor of those moments.
But film, more-so than any other art (besides maybe the culinary), has the ability to transport us to another place and time. When I watch these movies, I can, in a small way, remember the way the Hebrews meant. In those moments I hopefully get a small glimpse of that last full measure of devotion that was given by our brave soldiers who fought for our freedom.
I'm sure that you have better traditions than I do. But regardless, let us take to today and make ourselves present to the those who marched into hell for a heavenly cause:
Our freedom.
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