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Each year, November 11 is set aside in commemoration of the end of hostilities in 1918 and 1945. It was observed as a legal holiday in the U.S. to honor the veterans of the armed forces. It is sometimes expressed through the playing of TAPS to remind us of those who gave their lives for our freedoms.

The History Channel records TAPS: “In July 1862, U.S. General Daniel Butterfield and his brigade were camped at Harrison’s Landing, Virginia, recuperating after the Seven Days Battles near Richmond. Dissatisfied with the standard bugle call employed by the Army to indicate to troops it was time to go to sleep, and thinking the call should sound more melodious, Butterfield reworked an existing bugle call used to signal the end of the day. As for the name “Taps,” the most likely explanation is that it comes from the fact that prior to Butterfield’s bugle call, the lights-out call was followed by three drum beats, dubbed the “Drum Taps,” as well as “The Taps” and then simply “Taps.” – Later it was adopted by the military and used at funerals and other commemorative occasions. It is a sobering moment when you listen and are reminded of the price which was paid.

As Christ Followers, we too have occasions when we should remember the sacrifices that were made for us. Because of the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ we have eternal benefits. The Word says, “Bless the Lord, my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, And do not forget any of His benefits; Who pardons all your guilt, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with favor and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” (Psalm 103: 1-5)

Many may recognize that through the act of Communion, Jesus tells us, “And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body, which is being given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’” (Luke 22:19) Jesus even said in John 15, “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends.”

It is so easy to just press through commemoration because I think people fundamentally do not want to remember the ultimate sacrifice! There is emotional pain involved. As Christ Followers, be encouraged to remember our Savior and remember those which are our friends. The cost was enormous!

Yvette Perrin is a columnist for The Charlotte Gazette. She can be reached at theword2yvette@gmail.com.