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https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-25-2026 May 25, 2026 Introduction Periodically, I ask my friend, medically retired Major William Ostan, to share a post with our Give Him 15 family. He always accommodates when his health allows. I am indebted to Will– he not only paid a great physical price for me (and you), but he also introduced me to the Appeal To Heaven flag, the story of which impacted me greatly. Will bleeds red, white, and blue. His post will inspire you today. The title is: Inspiration from Billy Graham and Dwight Eisenhower As Americans celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with barbecues and baseball games, parades and parties, which are all appropriate, it is imperative that we also spend focused time remembering the purpose for this special day – namely, to honor the sacrifices of the military fallen and their families. Today is the 55th commemoration of Memorial Day in the 250th year of our beloved country’s exceptional history. As such, I thought it would be appropriate to glean wisdom about the meaning of this noteworthy day from the relationship between one of America’s greatest preachers and greatest presidents. Billy Graham and Dwight Eisenhower enjoyed a close friendship that spanned multiple decades.(1) On one occasion in 1955, President Eisenhower allowed Reverend Graham to join him on a tour of Gettysburg, the battlefield that turned the tide in the Civil War. This experience made an immediate and significant impact on Graham. Three weeks later, while in Boston, Graham delivered a speech to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. While this address was delivered several years before Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971, Graham’s sentiments are spot-on. The following are excerpts I have compiled from his original message. Rev. Graham’s eloquence and insights are timeless. His speech is just as relevant in 2026 as it was when delivered in 1955, precisely because it enlightens us to the cost of liberty paid for by the precious lives of the men and women in our Armed Forces, going all the way back to 1776. Today, we remember the ultimate sacrifice American warfighters have made from the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli, from the encampments at Valley Forge to the open fields and rocky hills at Gettysburg, from the Forest of Argonne to the beaches of Normandy, from North Korea’s Chosin Reservoir to the jungles of Vietnam, and from the alluvial plain of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan. We also pay homage to the service members recently lost in Operation Epic Fury. As President Lincoln charged us in the Gettysburg Address, may the memory of the fallen always inspire us: Pray with me: Heavenly Father, You have seen the sacrifice of every one of the fallen. Every man. Every woman. You see the tears of every friend, every spouse, every parent, every child, and family member who has lost a loved one in service to our country. Not one moment in battle has escaped Your attention. You are intimately aware of each dying breath and as President Lincoln stated so eloquently, the last full measure of devotion that was given. Father, we take a solemn moment now to honor the men and women who selflessly gave their lives. We lift up the family members and loved ones who feel the loss most deeply. Please wrap Your arms of comfort around them. Make Yourself known to them. For our own hearts, Lord, we ask that You impart to us a deep gratitude for the great cloud of witnesses who’ve paid a price so we can live in a land of liberty. Fan aflame the fires of patriotic devotion within us to continue to advance the unfinished work of our ancestors. On this Memorial Day, we thank You, Lord, that the fallen American warfighters “got it (freedom) for us” and died so that we may live lives of purpose for Your glory, while recognizing the full worth of the blessings of liberty. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen. ******************************** Click on the link below to watch the full video. ----------------------------------------------- BIO: William J. Ostan is a medically retired Army Major and the recipient of two bronze stars. He is the Founder and President of Arc of Justice, a nonprofit organization that advocates for active-duty wounded warriors. Will is currently spearheading the Wounded Warrior Bill of Rights, which is bipartisan legislation being considered in Congress. You can find out more about his cause at www.arcofjusticeusa.org and www.willostan.com ****************************************** 1. https://billygrahamlibrary.org/blog-pastor-to-presidents-billygraham-dwight-d-eisenhower/ 2. https://billygraham.org/articles/a-timeless-billy-graham-message-for-memorial-day The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s website hosts the entire speech. It is worth reading as Rev. Graham relates more stories about his interactions with troops and includes a powerful Gospel message. Continuing the lifelong work of Billy Graham, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association exists to support and extend the evangelistic calling and ministry of Franklin Graham by proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to all we can by every effective means available to us and by equipping the church and others to do the same. © 2026 Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Used with general permission. All rights reserved. 3. https://www.loc.gov/resource/rbpe.24404500/?st=text