In my family, Memorial Day was special because one of our ancestors was a part of the foundation of this day. It was concurrently founded by many people who wanted to honor those who sacrificed their lives for our country. https://history.army.mil/html/reference/holidays/memday/index.html
The story we were told was about three soldiers on a weekend pass seeing a woman and her child cleaning the grave of a loved one, and deciding to clean the other graves while they waited for church to start. General Logan and his soldiers to then went to a military cemetery of soldiers who had died in the Civil War (while it was still an active war) to clean and honor those who had died. I love that image because they simply wanted to honor those who have died. May we remember those who gave their lives for us, and those whom many have forgotten.
Ever Present God, be with us as we mourn those who have lost their lives in service of others. We are especially aware of those who have died in protection of the freedoms for which we are blessed. Throughout history there are times when people are called to the highest sacrifice to make this world a better place. Memorial Day was founded at a time when our morality forced us to challenge a tradition of slavery that needed to be ended. Help us to know when we need to stand up to what is wrong in the world and honor those who have died in protection of what is true and just. Give us the strength to be who you call us to be in our time like those who have stood in their own times. All this we ask in your name. Amen
Prayers for Challenging Times 