Memorial Day 2024

Here are some resources adapted from the Episcopal Diocese of Newark to aid you in your own observance of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day may be observed through two lenses. On the civil calendar, it is a day for remembering and honoring those who have died in battle for our country. Originally called Decoration Day, it is a time to place flags and flowers or leis on the graves of those who died in the service of their country. This is different from Veterans Day, when we remember those who are serving or have served our country who are alive. On the church calendar, while Memorial Day has no liturgical observance, it can still be a time for healing of the pain of loss. Let us together pray for those we remember today, and be present with one another as we consider the war, loss, and devastation that plagues our world. 

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O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 839)

Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 816)
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God the King of Glory, in whose hands are the living and the dead: We give you our thanks for all those who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant them your mercy and the light of your presence; give us a sense of your will and purpose, that we may understand that the work you have begun in them will be perfected through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, in whom all strife is resolved. Amen. (Enriching Our Worship 3)

As we pause to lift our hearts and minds in prayer, let us be mindful of those who have laid down their lives in the service of their country. O God, we ask your strength that we might dedicate ourselves to perfecting your Kingdom of Peace and justice among nations. Let us give thanks for the many blessings of freedom which we possess, purchased at the cost of many lives and sacrifices. Fill us with courage to fulfill our tasks and in no way break faith with the fallen. We commend the fallen to your mercy and ask that you give them eternal rest. This we ask and pray in your name, Amen. (From Refuge and Strength: Prayers for the Military and Their Families, Theodore W. Edwards Jr., Church Publishing)