Memorial Day—originally called Decoration Day—was established after the Civil War as a time to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers and to keep before us the sobering reality of war and the suffering it brings. It calls us to be peacemakers and to do all we can to avoid the evils of war. Today, the day honors all those who have given their lives throughout the history of our country.
To help preserve the true spirit of the day, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has shared four important things not to do on Memorial Day:
- Don’t wish someone “Happy Memorial Day.” This isn’t a joyful holiday like Christmas or the Fourth of July. It’s a solemn time set aside to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
- Don’t thank active-duty service members—at least, not specifically for this day. While we deeply respect and honor those currently serving, Memorial Day is not about them. It’s about remembering the fallen. (We honor all veterans on Veterans Day in November.)
- Don’t disregard the meaning of the day. It’s easy to let the long weekend become just about barbecues or big sales. But especially after the many conflicts our country has seen in recent decades, we must not let the memory of those who gave their lives become an afterthought.
- Don’t let politics get in the way of respect. Whether or not we agree with any particular war or military decision, this day isn’t about politics. It’s not a day to glorify war—but to remember its cost and honor those who gave their lives in service.
As we enjoy the freedoms that so many have died to protect, let us take time this Memorial Day to pray for peace and to honor those who never came home.
