This is Memorial Day weekend; officially celebrated on Monday. This year on May 27.
"Originally, Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day and was meant to honor Union and Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War. By the 1900s, it had become a day to celebrate all American soldiers who died while serving in the military. But it wasn't until 1967 that it was legally named Memorial Day.
So what is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day? Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who are no longer around to receive our gratitude. Veterans Day is a day to shake the hand of someone who has helped to defend our freedom. *
And now Memorial Day has become a tradition for us to honor our loved ones who are no longer with us. It is a great time to remember. I plan to do several things to 'remember'. Hope that you will too!
* taken from some internet writings
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You created relationships for us to enjoy. Help us to recall pleasant memories of those we have had in our lives and to know that life is temporary. Thank You that You have made possible relationships with You that can last forever. Bless the people now serving in our military and those who gave their lives defending our nation. Bless, too, the families who have been asked to endure the sacrifice of their loved ones in the military. Help us to not move too quickly past this weekend, but to take some time for honor and reflection. In Jesus' Name we ask these things. Amen.