Among the many different of functions in our mind, the ability to remember or the function of memory, is considered the most important and crucial one in our life. What would life be like if you could not remember who and what you are, or if you could not know what had happened yesterday, what is going on today and you could not think about tomorrow? That would be a warning signal that you are losing yourself. Another word, you're losing your very existence. Truly the importance of memory in our life cannot be overemphasized.
This coming Monday, the 11th of November, is Remembrance Day. As we know well, on the eleventh hour of eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 the peace agreement was signed after World War I. Since then November 11 has been kept as Remembrance Day in most Western countries. On that day we all remember those who fought and sacrificed their lives to achieve peace in the world. At the same time we also remember those who are still risking their lives to keep the peace and to protect the security of our nation and those who are working to build a safer and more harmonious society, whether they are in uniform or not. As long as we remember them, they are a "somebody" who has stood for the peace and safety of the world.
Yes, indeed, a person can become a "somebody" only when someone remembers that person. On our life journey, there is always something that we must remember. There are always some people whom we never forget. And when you realize that someone is still remembering and thinking of you, then you become a "somebody". The truth is that God has created anyone and everyone to be a "somebody". All people have a right and ability to become a "somebody". So in our remembrance of them, they become "somebodies". As long as someone, just a single person on the earth, still remembers you, you are special and somebody for that person. On the same token, if you have forgotten someone, at least for you, that person has become nobody. That is a reason why and how important it is to keep Remembrance Day.
On the cross, when Jesus was among two criminals, one asked him, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus said to him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:42-43). In remembrance of Jesus, that criminal was saved and could live with him forever in heaven. As long as we remember Jesus, then he will remember us. And in his remembrance we will be saved and become free and forgiven people too. Indeed, in remembrance, we, people, are able to have right and good relationship with one another. In remembrance of others concerns and needs, we can together build a better, more peaceful and safer society. And we all become "somebody". So long as we remember those who had sacrificed their lives for the peace of the world, they are important "somebodies" and their sacrifice will never fade away.
