As a kid, I participated in many Remembrance Day programs in our small-town school. Our teaching staff were intent on preserving the honorable tradition of paying tribute to those who have fought …and died for our freedom. The gym would be surrounded by posters of poppies, crosses and fallen soldiers; all created by the students of our school. Poems of remembrance were recited, the school choir sang and of course, the flag ceremony of the local legion was an important part of this event. I’ll probably never forget the pin-drop silence before Mr. Ingalls shouted orders to those carrying flags nor will I ever forget the clear sound of Gwen’s trumpet mournfully playing “The Last Post” signifying the close of the ceremony. We will remember them.
My great grandma’s twin brother, Sgt. Samuel Arthur Alexander, was one of those precious people who gave their lives for us. Dated March 5, 1912, my great-grandmother received notification of his death from S. Raynes Reed, Major C.F.; Chaplain 75th Battalion Canadian: “I regret to have to write to confirm the news, doubtless already received by you of the death of your son, Sgt. S.A. Alexander #657662 75th Battalion Canadian. He was killed in action on March 1st, when the Battalion suffered heavy casualties among which were also our Colonel and our Adjutant. Your son’s body was recovered and buried near at hand.”
There is a monument in his hometown of Burk’s Falls, ON commemorating his memory. I pray that monument is never torn down in light of recent attempts to “remove history.” We WILL remember.
My heart is incredibly stirred as I think of the ultimate sacrifice of my dear great- great uncle. He didn’t get to live out his full life because he sacrificed it for me and for you. As Lil Sweet Pea and I took communion this morning, we were also deeply stirred as we thought of the ultimate sacrifice of our dear Savior, Jesus Christ. He laid down his life for me and for you. This morning, as I read the 26th chapter of Matthew aloud, I was moved to tears as I thought of the events leading up to Jesus’ death.
In the scriptures, we are reminded to “do this in remembrance of Me.” “…That the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” We WILL remember.
As we partake of communion, we are bringing to remembrance what Jesus did for us on the cross. He paid the ultimate price for our salvation. “Salvation” in the Greek language means: to save or be saved, wholeness, healing, preservation, wellness. Jesus paid the ultimate price to give the ultimate gift of salvation, wholeness, healing, preservation and wellness. As we take communion, we bring to remembrance what Jesus paid for… and then we can choose to receive His gift each time we partake.
The freedom to participate in public communion has been taken away from us at this time, but I urge you to take personal or family communion on a regular basis. We WILL remember.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
