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Good morning. I wonder what you received as a gift for your 21st birthday? My generous parents bought me a full edition of The Encyclopædia Britannica. Volume after thick volume came out of the cardboard boxes and were arranged carefully on a bookcase. Seeing this vast body of learning stretching for several feet along the shelves, I remember being humbled by how little I knew and almost overwhelmed at the thought that I might be expected to be worthy of this great investment. 
On March 13th 2012 - after 244 years of publication, The Encyclopædia Britannica announced it would discontinue its print edition – although it continues online. How easy it is to click a link for a quick summary of information on any subject. But there are times I confess, when I miss the in-depth articles with their cross references between the micropaedia and the micropaedia – and the sheer pleasure of holding a heavy book, smelling the paper and feeling the quality of its binding in my hands. Curiously, I’m beginning to experience the same feelings of sentimentality about vinyl records.  
Our society has a rich past which we cherish and do not wish to forget. It was given us by our forefathers, and includes the memory of battles fought for our freedom, rulers enthroned, faith described and embraced. How easy to set aside these things like dusty old books – relics of a previous way of doing things, easily forgotten.
Prayer. Lord God, you have said that some things are too important to forget. We should write them on our doorposts, bind them on our arms, tell them to our children, taste them in bread and wine. Thank you for these cherished things. 
Amen.