05/25/2026
Memorial Day traces its roots to a cemetery in Warrenton, VA where a dead confederate soldier's grave was decorated on June 3rd, 1861. This is not necessarily the first time the grave of an American soldier who gave his life in service to his country was decorated but it is the first record we have. That's just two short months after the start of the Civil War. Many communities began the annual habit of celebrating "Decoration Day" in the months and years following. On May 5th, 1868, General John Logan issued General Order 11 recognizing May 30th as a day set aside to honor those who died in defense of their country by cleaning, maintaining and decorating their graves and memorials. Through the following century of wars, where American servicemen gave their lives so that others might be free, Memorial Day became one of America's finest traditions and was officially recognized by Congress in 1971 with the "National Holiday Act of 1971."
I say all that to correct what I've heard in the media in the lead up to this weekend. Memorial Day is not a day to remember friends and family who have died (though that's important) and it is not a day to honor our veterans (which is very important as well - which is why we celebrate Veteran's Day later in the year).
Memorial Day is when we remember those who have shed their own blood that others may have life! Take some time today to thank the Lord for those great men who gave us physically what Christ gave us spiritually - life through sacrificial death!
Pictured: Stan, a Veteran who lived in the Veterans Home in Rifle Colorado who was granted a trip to the Veteran's memorial wall.