It’s so easy to think of Memorial Day as an opportunity for another three-day weekend. For many of us, it marks the unofficial start of summer—a time for cookouts, lake days, and a little time off to relax with family and friends. It has been that for me in years past... as I have given a quick thought and prayer of thankfulness to God for those who were willing to lay their own lives down for my freedom.
But this year has me pondering.
Maybe it’s my age, or maybe it’s being a Gigi. I look at my grandchildren and find myself wondering about the world they’re growing up in. Perhaps it’s the way our country feels like it’s standing at a crossroads. Whatever the reason, I find myself once again thinking deeply about Memorial Day.
I’ve been reflecting on the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country, who laid down everything to defend our freedoms. I wonder how many people truly understand the weight of this day. Do we really pause to remember? Do our children know what Memorial Day is all about?
I remember, as a young girl, seeing red poppies on Memorial Day. It’s been a while since I’ve seen those. But there’s a story behind those little red flowers—and it’s a powerful one.The Red Poppy: A Symbol of Sacrifice
In 1915, moved by the poem "In Flanders Fields," Moina Michael wrote her own tribute:
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.
Moina began wearing a red poppy in remembrance of the fallen and sold them to raise money for veterans. Her simple act sparked a global movement. A French woman named Madame Guerin adopted the practice to support widows and orphans in war-torn France. By 1922, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) began selling poppies nationally in the U.S., and soon after, disabled veterans were crafting “Buddy Poppies” to raise support and awareness. In 1948, Moina was honored with a postage stamp—a small recognition for a legacy that helped the world remember.
The History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day wasn’t always called that. Originally known as Decoration Day, it began after the Civil War as a day to honor those who had died in battle. On May 5, 1868, General John Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic proclaimed May 30 as a day to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. That first Decoration Day saw 5,000 people placing flowers on the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
Though many towns claim to be its birthplace, President Lyndon Johnson officially declared Waterloo, New York, as the origin of the holiday in 1966. By 1890, most Northern states recognized the day, while the South continued to honor their dead separately until after World War I, when the holiday became inclusive of all Americans who died in war.
In 1971, Congress passed the National Holiday Act, moving Memorial Day to the last Monday in May to ensure a three-day weekend. And while we may appreciate the time off, let us not forget the reason behind it.
A Moment to Remember
In 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, encouraging all Americans to pause at 3:00 p.m. local time for one minute—to remember, to reflect, and to pray for peace. This initiative was inspired by Carmella LaSpada, who, during a 1971 USO tour in Vietnam, met a wounded medic who had seen 35 of his friends die in combat. He asked her to help keep their memories alive. She did just that—founding No Greater Love, an organization dedicated to honoring fallen heroes and their families. Her work helped reclaim Memorial Day’s sacred meaning.
A Personal Reflection
As the day comes to a close, I can’t help but ask: Do we truly see the cost of our freedom? Are we teaching the next generation to honor it?
For every fallen hero, there are loved ones left behind to pick up the pieces and carry on. I pray for their strength and courage as they face each new day. I ask that God will comfort them in their loss and grant them the peace that passes understanding. I say, thank you...please know that my sympathy, respect, and prayers are with you all this day.
And so, as this day comes to a close, I wonder how many realize the sobering truth of this day's significance?
How many have fallen? How many are left behind?
I'll close with this picture and the words of one little boy, named Asher... who, upon visiting the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery with his sweet mama, looked out at the rows of headstones and declared,
“Whoa! That’s a lot of heroes.”
Yes, sweet boy. It is.
Remembering all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless. ✝
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.”—John 15:13 ✝
Have a memorable Memorial Day
