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Forgetting what we want, or what we terribly need to remember, is a horrible thing.

I once chaperoned an eighth-grade trip to Washington, DC. Memorials rank high on the list of things to visit because they are designed to help future generations remember a particular person or event.

While not the most popular memorial, the Korean War Memorial is the most interesting to me. The artist majored on the number thirty-eight. Thirty-eight was the number of the parallel that divided North and South Korea. It was also the number of months the war lasted.

The artist faced a conundrum, however, when trying to place thirty-eight life-size soldiers on the designated plot of land, which had only enough room for nineteen. He solved the dilemma by designing a reflective wall. When looking at the wall, one can see thirty-eight soldiers trudging through terrain representative of Korea, rather than the actual nineteen there. Problem solved. Statement made.

Memorial Day is the day when America remembers military personnel who have died while serving their country. The holiday originated as Decoration Day, which was established by a group of Union veterans. Eventually, competing Union and Confederate holiday traditions merged and are now celebrated together.

God also likes memorials, and He repeatedly warned His Old Testament people not to forget Him or the things He had done for them (Deuteronomy 8:11). In Israel’s history, they needed to recall how God had delivered them from four hundred years of Egyptian slavery and seventy years of Babylonian captivity. For Christians, the big unforgettable deliverance is Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

For years, I’ve worn paraphernalia with Christian symbols—mainly the cross. Since I was born in the middle of the hippie movement, wearing jewelry came naturally. From necklaces with crosses to watches, bracelets, key rings, and shirts with the same, I’ve worn it all—except earrings (needles never attracted me).

While jewelry and clothing with Christian symbols can make good witnessing and conversation starters, our lifestyle is a better memorial to the difference Christ has made. Symbols mean little without actions, attitudes, and words to back them up. Just as America’s war memorials would mean nothing if we cast aside our love for freedom and our appreciation for those who bought it.

Lest we forget, Americans remember their military dead with a holiday. Build something that will help others remember what Christ has done for you.