Memorial Day Ritual

Offered by Pastor Sonja Hagander

​Memorial Day was first observed in 1868 to decorate the graves of American Civil War dead and is now a national day to honor those members of the armed services killed during wartime. Many families use this day to honor anyone who has died in their family. Set out pictures of loved ones whom you want to remember on this day, particularly those who, in one way or another, have sacrificed their lives so that your life might be better. Light a candle if you wish.

For use at home, at graveside or columbarium

Opening Prayer: Dear God of our foreparents, give us an understanding mind and a grateful heart as we consider all who have sacrificed so that we might live. Amen.

Bible Text: Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her (Matthew 26:13).

Reflection:
-Name each of the family members or groups of people who have died, and because of whose life and death your life is different (ancestors, those who have fought in wars, for civil rights, for public safety, for better health care, for better education….).  Share or write their names in a journal or note.
-These sentence starters may be helpful: When I think about these people…..I am most grateful for…..I am most sad about…..

Ritual Action: Light a candle naming each person or group, allowing a moment of silence after each name.

Song:
tune of Amazing Grace

To God, with joy, our thanks we bring,
Rememb’ring those today,
Who gave their lives, a sacrifice,
Preserving freedom’s way.

Blessing: May God, who journeyed with those before us, go with us this day, making our lives a blessing to all who come after us. Amen.

Ritual adapted from “For Everything a Season”