Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service. In observance of the holiday, many people visit cemeteries and memorials, and volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time. —Dept. of Veterans Affairs
My hope this Memorial Day is that in the midst of whatever holiday fare you have planned today you will take a moment to remember the sacrifices made on our behalf. To help you here are some links I have found helpful in my spiritual journey:
- Memorial Day — A Day of Reconciliation an essay by The Rev. Ron Gagne.
- The lessons of cemeteries an essay by Lori Erickson.
- A Facebook Timeline Post on Memorial Day on the Wounded Warrior Project Page inviting you to remember, by name, those who gave their lives in service to our country.
Here is a short prayer shared by the Rev. Gagne in his essay. Let it be our prayer today.
Loving God, we pray to you for people of every race, religion, langauge and nation. Help us always to respect and love each other for You have made us all. Let those who have given their lives for the sake of justice, peace and freedom be rewarded by your generous love. May their families and friends, and we who honor them today, remember them with love, now and always. Amen.
Hear what the Spirit is saying 