Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a federal holiday celebrated the last Monday in May to commemorate military members who died in battle. It began after the Civil War in 1868 as Decoration Day. One hundred years later, the name officially switched to Memorial Day. The holiday is usually celebrated by visiting graves of veterans and military members.
It unofficially marks the beginning of the summer season.
Resources
Work to make your congregation more welcoming (PDF) to military members and their families.
A collection of poetry about war and soldiers to be used for worship services or letters to government.
Honoring our Unitarian Universalist Veterans by F. Vernon Chandler
Action
Recognize all those we lost in war by calling for the end of all wars. Write to your congress members to make sure all soldiers in harms way are returned home. Also you can call for a reduction of funds to the Department of Defense.
Unitarian Universalist Association Grounding
As people who work for peace and justice, we welcome any armistice as a cause to celebrate. However, we must never forget the men and women who have given it their all—sometimes giving everything—to work for what they think is true and right.
But celebrating Memorial Day, we work to make sure fewer people have to leave their homes, families and friends to fight in war.
Last updated on Thursday, June 19, 2008.
