Memorial Day Address 2015
Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania
The Rev. Thomas H. Rose
T
hank you for coming here today to give heartfelt acknowledgement to
those who gave their lives for the sake of our protection and safety. I want
to give special thanks to the families and close friends of those who gave their
lives, because a big part of their lives was lost as well, and they themselves are
deserving of our deepest gratitude.
Memorial Day, of course, is so much more than a holiday involving sales,
shore trips, cookouts and the kick-off of summer. Each one of you here this
morning knows that, as do many others who will attend other ceremonies
today or quietly visit grave sites or gather with family and friends in a spirit of
remembrance.
Today is one of the two days in the year that are specifically set aside in
honor of those who serve or have served in any branch of our armed services.
Veterans Day in November is a day of special appreciation to all veterans. It
grew out of the celebration of the end of fighting – a ceasefire that took effect
on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
Today, Memorial Day, rather than from a spirit of celebration, grew out of
a spirit of deep gratitude and honoring of those who died in service. This day
of remembrance started in the cemeteries of the North and the South from the
practice of decorating the graves of the fallen after the American Civil War.
Decoration Day became Memorial Day, a solemn day, honoring those
who gave up their earthly lives for community and country.
Is there a connection between the two days? Of course there is. The two
days are for those who have acted from a willingness to protect and defend each
one of us. Let’s not forget that every man and woman who served, or currently
serves, was and is willing to do the same as did those we acknowledge today –
to give their lives in our defense.
So I want to emphasize that spirit – the spirit of self-sacrifice for the sake of
others. Thinking of airmen, seamen, soldiers and Marines who are still living,
some of us may feel awkward saying thank you to them. Some veterans don’t
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