Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a great opportunity for us to remember those who have given their lives in service to our country. I hope all of us appreciate the sacrifice of men and women who have loved the best ideals of their country more than life.

On the Sunday before Memorial Day, our church pays tribute to the veterans in our own congregation who have died since the previous Memorial Day. It is a tradition that has been carried on for many years, long preceding my arrival.

At some point in the past, all veterans were asked to complete a form detailing their military service and to submit photographs in uniform. All of these were compiled into a two inch three-ring binder. This gives us a lasting record of the military service.

On the Sunday before Memorial Day, our worship time is opened by all veterans forming an Honor Guard and marching to the front of the Worship Center. While I didn't count, it seems that we must have had around 30. Most of these were older men who served during WWII and/or the Korean Conflict, though some served during peace time. Over half wore at least part of their uniforms, insignia, and badges.

Six of our veterans had died since last Memorial Day. A vase was set up on the platform area having one red and several white roses. Behind the vase were the colors. The aforementioned notebook was also there, with the pages of those who have died in the past year moved to the front. At the pulpit area, the veteran who conducts the tribute had six white roses with him. He called out the name of each who had died, reported their service while in the military, and ended each one by using the military jargon of transferring "to be with the Lord," giving the date of death. After this, the widow (or other family member) was given one of the white roses to place in the vase. To complete the tribute to each veteran, the page outlining the service record of the individual was turned. The only addition we have made in the past couple of years is to project two PowerPoint slides per veteran--the first showing name, branch of service, and appropriate badge or insignia, and the second showing two pictures of the individual, one in uniform and the other more recent.

To end the tribute, the Honor Guard saluted toward the flowers and the colors, and as they moved to their seats, the congregation rose to honor them all with applause. I am sure that many other churches show similar displays of honor, and I know that it a moving tribute worthy of the effort.