Memorial Day PrayersMemorial Day Prayers Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, and was designated as a day to remember those who have died in the service of our nation. Just how did it all begin? Well, that is kind of a mystery. About two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. Before the end of the Civil War, a hymn was published called "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" which was written for the ladies of the South who decorated graves of the Confederate dead. Perhaps Memorial Day and the prayers, hymns and other dedications that followed had many different beginnings in order to honor those who gave their lives for the United States. You see, no matter how it began, the true source-love and honor for those who gave so much-is there. May 5, 2968 was the first official Memorial Day as proclaimed by General John Logan who was the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. Flowers were placed ont he graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at the ARlington National Cemetery. New York was the first state to officially recognize the holiday in 1873. The day is different every year since it falls on the last Monday of May now. Let's not forget to honor those who have given so much! I've compiled a variety of poems, prayers and hymns for this special day. 
My own son gave years of his young life for our country, and I'm blessed that he is alive and well to honor those who weren't able to return to their families. This is not a day of sales at stores or partying for him yet. The sting of the losses are just too fresh for him, as they are for me. Take a few minutes or hours or the whole day to stop and meditate on the gifts and sacrifices of those we honor on Memorial Day. They deserve it and you owe it to yourself to experience the gratitude that will naturally flow. Memorial Day doesn't begin in the mall or the backyard grill as the television commericals would like for us to believe. It begins in our hearts.
Original Memorial Day Prayer |
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