The Arlington Ladies

What this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her. - Matthew 26:13


In 1948, the US Air Force Chief of Staff noticed that no one attended the funeral of an airman at Arlington National Cemetery, and that deeply disturbed him. He talked with his wife about his concern that each soldier be honored at burial, and she began a group called the Arlington Ladies.

Someone from the group honors each deceased soldier by attending his or her funeral. The ladies also write personal notes of sympathy and speak words of gratitude to family members when they are present. If possible, a representive keeps in contact with the family for months afterward.

Margaret Mensch, an Arlington Lady, says, "The important thing is to be there for the families... It's an honor to... pay tribute to the everyday heroes that make up the armed forces."

Jesus showed the importance of paying tribute. After a woman poured a costly, fragrant oil on His head, He said that she would be honored for years to come (Matt. 26:13). The disciples were indignant and thought her act was wasteful, but Jesus called it "a good work" (v. 10) for which she would be remembered.

We know heroes who have given their lives in service to God and their country. Let's honor them today. - Anne Cetas


Lord, help us to appreciate
The work that others do,
The service given from their hearts,
Their sacrifice for You. - Sper

We honor God when we honor one another.

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Matthew 26:6-13

Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive oinment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table.

But when his disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste? For this oinment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor." But Jesus, knowing this, said to them,

"Why do you trouble the woman? Because she has done a good work for me. For you always have the poor with you; but you don't always have me.

For in pouring this oinment on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Most assuredly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of as a memorial of her."

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