This holiday weekend is about more than barbecues, holiday fun, and family time. Today we honor those men and women who died serving our country. They died protecting us from foreign enemies and protecting the rights of every citizen in this country. We thank those people who serve so selflessly to defend our rights and protect our families.

For anyone who has lost a family member during times of war or times of protection, we extend our heartfelt thank you for your family member’s contributions to our freedom.

Today we also remember another man who gave selflessly to defend us and protect us from the enemy. Jesus is still the light of this world, our shield, and our armor of protection.

Ephesians 6:10-17 says it best:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit,which is the word of God.

We hope everyone enjoys their holiday and we thank our men and women around the country who serve so selflessly to defend our country every day!