Memorial Day 2014: History, Celebrations and Christian Remembrance of American Patriots

Memorial Day 2014
Memorial Day 2014

Americans will celebrate Memorial Day on May 26. The federal holiday has its roots in the American Civil War era, and honors the more than one million men and women who have died while serving our country. Those who have sacrificed their lives in the United States Armed Forces to protect American liberty are remembered with gratitude by displays of patriotism around the nation.

Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May, which typically coincides with the last few weeks of grade school. According to Wikipedia, Memorial Day was originally called "Decoration Day" and was first celebrated to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. It later developed into a holiday which honors all men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is distinguished from Veterans' Day in that Americans honor those who have died while serving our country on Memorial Day.

Americans have historically celebrated this holiday by placing American flags or flowers on the gravesites of loved ones and those buried in Arlington National Cemetery. American flags are to be set at half-staff on this day until noon to symbolize mourning for those who have died serving our country, and are thereafter raised to full-staff to remind Americans to continue the fight to uphold the freedoms that we have been given. Many cities also celebrate those who have served our country with parades.

Believers are reminded on this day of the ultimate sacrifice that was paid on our behalf - that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, willingly bore our sins on the cross at Calvary so that we might be reconciled to Him, offering free forgiveness and new life to all of those who call on His name. John 3:16-17 says:

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him" (English Standard Version).

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.