Let’s get it straight from the source. Here’s what it means to have a day off from work on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day.

"...gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime. Let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude; the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan."
-General John Logan, General Order No. 11, May 5, 1868

There’s many ways to observe the holiday with holiness. You can join in your community’s activities, make a visit to the cemetery where veteran’s lie, or simply fly a flag.  You can enjoy the day in freedom and fun and that’s fine too. But to truly honor and support the families of our fallen and bless the memory of the dead, pray today.

A Stripe and a Star

I am a stripe,
I am a star,
I am red, white and blue.

Although we have never met,
I will always pray for you.
I wouldn’t know your name
if I saw you in a crowd.
I would pass you right by,
yet we are both Americans.

I spend time with my kids,
I sleep undisturbed.
My home is safe
because of what you do.

You, who know
these men and women,
You, who know
who will return from war
and who will give their lives—
be with them all
in their hour of need.

Bless them,
bless their families.
Let them feel the love
I send out to them.
May they know
how I feel:
There but for Your grace go I.

- Heidi Haller

IF YOU LIKED MEMORIAL HOLY-DAY, YOU'LL LOVE, OUR PRAYER WAS ANSWERED!