Memorial Day evokes patriotism and summer fun. But let’s not forget why we observe the day – our fallen heroes. In remembrance, I am sharing nine Memorial Day scriptures.
Memorial Day is a salute to all Americans who gave their lives for their country. Brave men and women who died in battle to protect our freedom and preserve our liberties. Let’s honor their service and sacrifice. And let’s thank a veteran, too.
I’ll start by expressing my gratitude.
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Memorial Day Gratitude
To America’s fallen heroes, thank you. And to those who serve (or have served) in the United States Armed Forces, thank you. To those who love a service member, thank you. And to Gold Star families, thank you for YOUR sacrifice and service.
Finally, to my husband, Mitch – a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy. My heart is full thanking God for you and your service to this country we love.
Now, a little background on Memorial Day.
📋 Express your gratitude. Send a heartfelt sympathy card in memory of someone who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
Memorial Day Meaning
Memorial Day is special for Mitch and me. As Americans and a veteran family, we remember the sacrifice of America’s patriots. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who fought and died for our American ideals. Mitch served with some of them.
As Christians, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to free us from our sins. We also think of the martyrs through history – Christians who lived and died for their faith.
Today’s post honors all of these fallen heroes. Those who gave their lives for our country, and those who gave their lives for our Savior. True warriors, all.
Before I share some Bible verses, let’s look at the history of Memorial Day.
Memorial Day History
A remembrance day for fallen soldiers emerged after the American Civil War. The “War between the States” (1861-1865) was the nation’s bloodiest conflict. It took more lives than any war in American history.
The first national cemeteries appeared after the war ended. There, Americans paid tribute to fallen soldiers on both sides. They decorated tombs with flowers, sang spiritual hymns, and recited graveside prayers.
In 1868, John A. Logan – an American soldier and veterans organizer – called for a day of national remembrance. On May 5, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) established Decoration Day. The first ceremony took place at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
At the end of the First World War (1914-1918), Decoration Day expanded to honor fallen American heroes in all wars. In time, the observance became known as Memorial Day.
Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968, and lawmakers set Memorial Day for the last Monday of May. It became a federal holiday in 1971.
Today, we observe the day with memorial services and parades. We decorate grave sites with flowers and flags. We display the flag outside our homes. Above all, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Memorial Day Weekend
Apart from a federal holiday, Memorial Day is the traditional kickoff to summer. Government offices close on this day, as do most schools and businesses. Many Americans enjoy a three-day holiday weekend.
For some people, the long weekend means a beach vacation or camping trip. For others, it’s a backyard barbecue or picnic in the park (in which case, you’ll want this wicker picnic basket).
Whatever you do for Memorial Day, please set aside a few minutes for reflection. Read the Bible (or the scriptures below), remember our fallen heroes, and pray for their families. We owe each of them a debt we can never repay.
Now, on to the verses.
Memorial Day Scriptures
Here are nine Memorial Day scriptures to honor our fallen heroes. Read them, meditate on them, and sprinkle them in your prayers. Then share them with your family and friends.
1. No Greater Love Than This
John 15:12-13 – “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”
2. Honor Where Honor is Due
Romans 13:7 – “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”
3. Precious in God’s Sight
Psalm 116:14-15 – “I shall pay my vows to the Lord, Oh may it be in the presence of all His people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.”
4. Thanking God for You
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 – “We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love.”
5. If War Should Arise
Psalm 27:3 – “If an army encamps against me, my heart will not fear; if war arises against me, in spite of this I am confident.”
6. Good Soldier of Christ
2 Timothy 2:3 – “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
7. How We Know Love
1 John 3:16 – “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers and sisters.”
8. Made Alive in Christ
1 Corinthians 15:22 – “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.”
9. Our Hope is in Jesus
1 Thessalonians 4:14 – “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.”
📋 Give the gift of hope. Send a Military Bible Stick to a deployed service member, and give hope to an American hero.
Wrapping Up
Memorial Day is a time for patriotism and summer fun. But let’s remember why we observe the holiday. This weekend, let’s honor those who have served and died for our American freedoms. And let’s thank their loved ones for their sacrifice, too.
Have a wonderful and meaningful Memorial Day. ◻️
Related Posts
- 10 Good Ways to Display the American Flag Outdoors
- How to Retire Your American Flag With Dignity and Grace
- What is Freedom? 16 Bible Verses for Independence Day
Now It’s Your Turn
Thank you for reading my post. Now it’s YOUR turn to chime in. Which Bible verse most reminds you of the sacrifice of an American patriot? Which one reminds you of a departed loved one?
Let’s fill the comments with friendly conversation. Scroll down to leave a reply, ask a question, or just say hello. And if you liked this post, please give it a share.
Blessings, Annette
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Photo Sources
- Tex Photo, Craig Mccausland, CS Reed /Getty Images Signature | Canva | License
- Deborah Scherrer | Pixabay | License
Reference Sources
📋 NOTE – This post was first published in 2019. It was updated with new content in 2023.
Wonderful … Thank you!
Hi, Robert. I’m glad you enjoyed my post.
My oldest brother was a Vietnam vet. He passed away in 2005 from Agent Orange and when I was younger I always wanted to join the military – and I did go in the military. I was Army 51 Bravo. Thanks to my brother I joined the military. He was my hero.
Hello, Fred. My husband is a Vietnam veteran, too – the United States Marine Corps. I’m sorry to hear about your brother. He was a real inspiration to you. Thank you for your service to our country. I appreciate you and all our veterans. God bless you!