05/25/2026
Memorial Day’s Beginning
Ephesians 5:2
And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
“Memorial Day in America, as an annual observance, can be traced back to the end of the Civil War, a war in which over half a million died. Southern women scattered spring flowers on graves of both northern Union and southern Confederate soldiers.
A day set aside to remember loved ones, to mourn their loss, and to decorate the graves of our fallen soldiers. Initially called Decoration Day, later renamed Memorial Day, it was established to remember and honor the countless men and women who have died in service to their country, first observed nationally on May 30, 1868.
Commemorating Memorial Day is vital to America’s future and to not forget our military men and women who served and fought for our country throughout the decades: to reflect on, remember, remind, and recognize the fight, the cost, the sorrow, and the sacrifices, how they have paid dearly with their lives, so that we may live and enjoy the blessings of freedom today.
Before his presidency, President, Ronald Reagan, spoke on March 30, 1961: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. The only way they can inherit the freedom we have known is if we fight for it, protect it, defend it, and then hand it to them with the well-taught lessons of how they, in their lifetime, must do the same. And if you and I don't do this, then you and I may well spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it once was like in America when men were free."
America’s freedom endures through our taking time to express our gratitude to God for His hand in leading our nation and through recognizing the countless individuals who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom we enjoy today across our country.