Daniel Foucachon (@foucachon)

When I was a teenager living in France, we visited the beaches in Normandy and the American cemetery. I don’t believe it is possible to be unmoved by the rows of white crosses almost as far as the eye can see. As the grandson of a US Navy pilot on my mother’s side, and the grandson of a Frenchman who refused to collaborate and was deported to Germany on my father’s side, these crosses represented far more than a history lesson. They represented my countries, my family, and an inherited freedom. Livy tells us that patriotism is founded on “respect for the family, and love of the soil” (History of Rome). We often think of patriotism as a kind of idealism - a fighting for principles. A mercenary can never be a patriot, no matter how much he may believe in the cause. Family and a connection to the land is essential. America the Beautiful is the perfect patriotic song. It speaks of the land from sea to shining sea, it tells of Pilgrims, representing the American family, and it calls the hearer to remember. O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved And mercy more than life! The call to remember is essential to patriotism. It is a tangible way to show respect for the family, and love of the soil. Scripture is full of calls to remember. “Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt” (Exodus 13). The Israelites were commanded to build altars, visual reminders, to remember. So much more could be said about the Christian duty to remember. This Memorial Day, remember. Kneel down and scoop up a handful of earth and give thanks for your land. Fly the flag. Honor the fallen. I believe it’s appropriate that Memorial Day is a feast day of sorts. Across our land, fathers are “killing the fatted calf,” or the Costco equivalent in beef patties. Families and friends are gathering to eat and enjoy the outdoors, decked in red, white, and blue. I think Livy would approve. As well as the countless soldiers whose blood soaked the beaches of Normandy. Have a double portion in their honor, and toast their exploits. Happy Memorial Day! Daniel, for all of us at @romanroadspress Learn more about the foundations of American freedom on our Memorial Day email: http://eepurl.com/6CCwGg5Zw8