Happy Memorial Day. A genuine and sincere thank you to all who gave their lives in defense of freedom.

If you have some time today, I encourage you to research the roots of the song “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Originally written in 1855 by William Steff as a campfire song, this patriotic anthem has motivated many – soldiers in both the union and confederate armies, abolitionists, evangelicals, modern day soldiers and politicians. The lyrics have changed from time to time, with the current version most widely heard today having been written as a poem in 1861 by abolitionist Julia Howe.

Spend some time today poking around the web. Read the articles you find. Listen to the many different renditions. Think about the men and women it inspired. Let it inspire you. Remember those who were inspired by it in defense of the freedom we enjoy.