Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, honors the men and women who died while serving in the American military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it began shortly after the Civil War as a time set aside to honor the nation’s Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:

The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

It became an annual tradition to honor the memory of those fallen in service to their country, but it was not until 1971 that Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. Today is set aside to honor the memory of all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice allowing us to enjoy our freedoms in this country.

This can be a difficult time for many. I know this day is especially difficult those who have lost sons and daughters and spouses in armed conflict. A member of my congregation once told me his wife’s brother was shot down during WWII, beheaded by his captors and that his body was dumped in the ocean never to be recovered. Even though he told me this almost seventy years after it happened, the pain was evident in his voice and his expression. We dare not take this day lightly or overlook it. Our freedom to gather together with family or to gather together for worship was earned for us by the blood of men and women such as these.

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Father, thank you for allowing us to live in freedom, including the freedom to worship you. We are grateful for those who sacrificed their lives to give us this freedom. We pray for the families of those whose loved ones made this sacrifice, showing this ultimate gift of love. They are a reminder that freedom comes at a high price. They also remind us of the love that your Son, our Lord Jesus, has for all people, that He willingly laid down His life for the sins of the world. We pray in His most precious name. Amen.