If we cling to the God-ordained sanctity of life, we should honor those who laid down their lives defending this country for our freedom. The incredible courage, distinct valor and unending love for this country shown by our military is worthy of our honor, reverence and remembrance on Memorial Day and beyond. 

First known as Decoration Day, in the years following the Civil War, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, attending a Memorial Day parade and gathering with family and friends to honor fallen heroes. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

Ways to honor our fallen heroes on Memorial Day:

>>>Watch the Wreath Laying Ceremony

Every year, the Arlington National Cemetery has a ceremony where a wreath is placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You can watch it live on local or national broadcasts. Visit the official website for more details.



>>>Display Flags in Your Community

Many communities throughout the United States have volunteers place mini flags in green spaces to honor veterans and to mark Memorial Day. You and your family can do just that—it’s sure to add patriotic flair to your hometown. There are also organizations that place flags on the graves of veterans around the nation. You can find a local branch and join them as well.

>>>Learn How to Care for an American Flag

Use Memorial Day as an opportunity to learn all about how to properly care for an American flag and treat it with dignity. Did you know that the flag should always be dry and should never show wear?

>>>Attend a Memorial Day Parade

Is there any Memorial Day activity as classic as attending a parade? See patriotic colors flying and veterans waving to the crowds in this truly spirited and reverent display.

>>>Watch Vintage USO Shows

Short for “United Service Organizations,” the USO first became popular during World War II as entertainers visited the troops overseas, and it’s still something that’s continued to this day. Observe the day by watching USO greats like Bob Hope and Jayne Mansfield provide some much-needed entertainment for audiences of soldiers.

>>>Wear a Poppy

Symbolizing bloodshed during battle, poppies take a spirit-lifting turn as a way to honor fallen soldiers. Grab a poppy from The American Legion (they often hand them out at grocery stores and local businesses) and don it on your shirt for Memorial Day.

>>>Listen to Patriotic Music

From “America the Beautiful” by Ray Charles to “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood to “America” by Neil Diamond, put together a patriotic playlist that’s worthy of Memorial Day and listen to it with your family.

>>>Remember the Value of Prayer

Called the “National Moment of Remembrance,” at 3:00 p.m. (no matter what your time zone is), all Americans can stop and pray for fallen soldiers and their families. Listen to some of these USO troop stories to hear about how to pray for those now serving.

>>>Watch the Memorial Day Concert

Every year, PBS broadcasts a star-studded National Memorial Day Concert that you and your family are sure to enjoy. This year, the show will welcome actor Gary Sinise along with The U.S. Army Chorus, The National Symphony Orchestra, and more.

>>>Go to a Military Cemetery

Although it might feel difficult, one of the truest ways you can honor fallen soldiers is by visiting a military cemetery. See if a veteran family member is buried in one of these cemeteries and look at a directory of several throughout the U.S. that you can visit.

>>>Virtually Visit a War Memorial

Can’t make it to Washington, D.C. for Memorial Day? Instead, you and your family can take a virtual tour of the United States Veterans and War Memorials through Google.

>>>Watch a Movie or Documentary 

There are several movies and documentaries that showcase military valor and pride, such as Flags of Our Fathers, Saving Private Ryan, and They Shall Not Grow Old. Be sure to watch a couple on Memorial Day.

>>>Donate Flowers for Military Graves

Through a national organization like The Memorial Day Flowers Foundation or Wreaths Across America, or through a local group, donate red, white, and blue flowers for military graves.

Source: Pioneer Woman, Shelby Deering

Our Prayer:

Lord, on this Memorial Day and beyond, we join hearts in prayer with this nation to thank you for the brave military men and women who valiantly laid down their lives for our freedom. We also remember their families as they grieve the loss of their courageous loved ones.

May their incredible sacrifice move us to turn to you, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with endless cries of gratitude, praise and appreciation. Amen. 

“Many are they who say of me, ‘There is no help for him in God.’ But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head.” Psalm 3:2-3

Guest Contributor: Sheryl Sellaway

Image: Crowded ship bringing American troops back to New York harbor after V-Day, 1945 (Photo credit: New-York Historical Society)



"Joseph Ambrose, an 86-year-old World War I veteran, attends the dedication day parade for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1982. Wearing a doughboy uniform like the ones used during the war, he is holding an American flag. It covered the casket of his son Clement, who was killed in the Korean War." Via Wikipedia