| We honor the final sacrifice of our service men and women by dedicating our own lives to peace and the defense of freedom. For these ideals they fought, and for these ideals we continue to strive. May we stand with diligence and with humility on the broad shoulders of those whose brave deeds and sacrifice we memorialize today. Let all of us commit this day, whether in public ceremony or in quiet reflection over a single grave, to remember them in fitting tribute.
-- George W. Bush, President of the United States, Memorial Day 2001
More than 41 million men and women have served in the Armed Forces of this country and over a million have died defending it. On Memorial Day we pause to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can remain free. |
Memorial
Day close to home this year
The tone of celebrations around the US this weekend had a somber
note as a divided nation honored its veterans and troops in
Iraq.
Interfaith
Memorial Services -- Memorial Day 2004
Listing of scheduled services. and resources
for planning an service.
Lest We Forget
Memorial Day originally commemorated soldiers killed in the American Civil War (1868). Its observance later extended to all those from the United States who died in war. As we observe Memorial Day, we remember the men and women who have sacrificed their lives that we might live in freedom.
Resources for Memorial Day 2004
The NCC is encouraging people of faith across the United States to organize interfaith worship services in their own communities, and offers resources.
Memorial Day
On May 30, 1868 a procession of children from the Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home, along with members of the Grand Army of the Republic, made their way through Arlington National Cemetery placing flowers on more than 20,000 Union and Confederate graves. They recited prayers and sang hymns.
Memory
is sacred
Our inclination to honor and revere our departed loved ones
is not only natural; it is also sacred and God-given. Our memory
connects us to the continual presence--the living reality--of
those who have passed on before us. more...
-- Reflection of Archbishop Demetrios, Greek Archdiocese
of America
National Moment of Remembrance
The White House Commission on the National Moment of
Remembrance, established by Congress, honors those who died
for our country. The Commission's purpose is to sustain the
American spirit through acts of remembrance, not only on Memorial
Day, but throughout the year. more...
| FaithandValues.com SHOPPING |
 Shrapnel in the Heart : Letters and Remembrance from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
by Laura Palmer
For the first time, one book gives voice to the haunting, painful, tender, and healing tales of those who lost so much in America's least popular war. Shrapnel in the Heart is an evocative, heart-wrenching collection of over 100 letters left at the memorial--and the stories of the wives, children and buddies who wrote them. Buy it |
Memorial Day: A Time for Healing
Memorial Day, perhaps more than any other holiday, was born of human necessity. Deep inside all of us lies a fundamental desire to make sense of life and our place in it and the world. What we have been given, what we will do with it and what we will pass to the next generation is all part of an unfolding history, a continuum that links one soul to another.
more...
Taps
"Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh -- Falls the night.
"Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
"Then good night, peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear -- Friend, good night."
-- written by General Daniel Butterfield, with an assist from his bugler, Oliver W. Norton, in 1862. |
History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day.
more ...
How to observe Memorial Day
"The 'Memorial' in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice"
more...
National Memorial Day concert
One of PBS's top-rated performance programs, this year's National Memorial Day Concert will offer a moment of remembrance, honoring the men and women serving on the frontlines in the war on terrorism, with a special segment honoring the victims and heroes of September 11.
more...
Memorial Day - The History Channel
Memorial Day is much more than a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer. To many people, especially the nation's thousands of combat veterans, this day, which has a history stretching back all the way to the Civil War, is an important reminder of those who died in the service of their country.
more...
Additional resources
The following sites contain information about U.S. war veterans:
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