May 25, 2025. Memorial Day. A Tribute to those who gave their all for us.

sglarsen
May 25
6 min read

My dear family and friends, especially those who have served in the Armed Forces of this great nation. I have many family members who are veterans, and I am so grateful to them for their service. I do not think any of us thanks them enough.

Memorial Day is to help us remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms, granted by our Constitution, and our Liberties, given to us by our Heavenly Father.

I marvel at all the stories in the Book of Mormon and the bible that deal with war. The lessons for us to learn to keep this nation safe and special. I fear that we have let Socialism creep into too much of our lives already. I fear that the great sacrifice of so many is being lost to us by corrupt politicians who desire complete control over our lives. Not allowing us to decide for ourselves, as our Heavenly Father declared in the war in Heaven.

Now a quote from Military.com

Everything You Need to Know About Memorial Day.

(From Military.com)

Observed the last Monday in May, Memorial Day honors those who lost their lives while in service to the United States during peace and war.

Memorial Day is not a celebration but a solemn day to reflect on veterans and military personnel who are deceased.

What Is The Meaning Of Memorial Day In The U.S.?

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a day to honor members of the military who were killed in service, both during deployments overseas or in training and service in the U.S. Across the country, Americans spend the day visiting cemeteries, attending Memorial Day events and otherwise honoring those who lost their lives in service to the country. The day also traditionally marks the first unofficial day of summer.

What Do You Say on Memorial Day?

Because Memorial Day is a somber day to honor those who died in service to the country, saying “Happy Memorial Day” is considered bad taste. For those who have lost family or friends through military service, the day is far from happy. If you feel the need to say something, try “Have a meaningful Memorial Day.”

What Is The Difference Between Memorial Day And Veterans Day?

Memorial Day is a day to honor the sacrifice and loss of members of the military who died in service. Veterans Day, on the other hand, is a day to honor the service of any man or woman who has served in the U.S. military. Read more about the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Should You Thank A Veteran On Memorial Day?

Because Memorial Day is for honoring the fallen, not the living, it is not considered appropriate to thank a veteran for his or her service on Memorial Day. While the sentiment is always appreciated, save your thanks for a different day and spend Memorial Day honoring those who have died in service to the country.

What Flower Honors Memorial Day?

The red poppy is often worn on Memorial Day, a tradition started during World War I and inspired by Canadian soldier John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields,” written in 1915.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

The poppy’s use as a symbol in the U.S. was first inspired by an American woman, Moina Michael, who in 1918 wrote the poem “We Shall Keep the Faith” in response to McCrae’s, and dedicated the rest of her life to getting the red poppy emblem recognized by governments worldwide as a symbol honoring the fallen.

We Shall Keep the Faith

Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,

Sleep sweet - to rise anew!

We caught the torch you threw

And holding high, we keep the Faith

With All who died.

We cherish, too, the poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led;

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies,

But lends a lustre to the red

Of the flower that blooms above the dead

In Flanders Fields.

And now the Torch and Poppy Red

We wear in honor of our dead.

Fear not that ye have died for naught;

We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought

In Flanders Fields.

How Do You Pay Respects And Honor The Military On Memorial Day?

Military organizations and bases nationwide are dedicated to honoring fallen military members on Memorial Day. One way to pay respects or honor the military on Memorial Day is to attend a Memorial Day ceremony at a local veterans cemetery. Another is to attend a parade. Many cities also have local veteran memorials where you can leave flowers or a wreath as a sign of respect.

Some organizations, like Wear Blue: Run to Remembe r, hold special Memorial Day events to honor the fallen. You can also commemorate Memorial Day with your children through age-appropriate activities. If you’re using the day to celebrate the unofficial start of summer, consider pausing your festivities for a moment of silence."

Now, a short Memorial Day tribute. Again, thank you to those who sacrificed so much. Not only those who have given their lives, but their families who have given so much. Our veterans have their own special day in September we are so grateful for each of you. Lets focus on those who like the Savior of this world gave their life for us.

Memorial Day: A forgotten history

Who can ever forget the tribute of Ronald Reagen for our fallen men and women?

Ronald Reagan

I now invite you to listen to Lee Greenwood sing "God bless the USA"

Lee Greenwood

Now, A short but very touching lesson is taught by a grandfather to his grandsons. Very moving.

I fought for you

The Tabernacle Choir sings:

Just a quote from an individual who was touched by this song. The Battel Hymn of the Republic

Richard Largen 1 week ago

The only time I saw my dad cry was to this song. He was a Green Beret and was away when a young man in our church was killed by a land mine in Vietnam. My dad was asked to bring his body home. My dad was standing in the aisle of the church with the casket behind him. My grandpa was the pastor of the church. My family was seated on the balcony. He was standing there in his dress uniform, larger than life itself. He tried, but he couldn’t hold back the tears. I’m guessing he felt some guilt. My dad did four tours in Southeast Asia, cracked two vertebrae in his neck, fractured his skull in a parachuting accident, and lived to see another day. The soldier was there for four months and didn’t survive. He also joined the Army because of my dad. I learned that day that my dad was a human being. He was still my hero then and now. He’s been gone five years. I miss him, but I find strength in knowing that I will one day see him again. I couldn’t listen to the song without crying until he passed away. I know that when he passed, the burden he carried had been lifted away by God’s mercy.

Battle Hymn of the Republic

And a couple of minutes of a short excerpt, a talk given by President Thomas S. Monson

Thomas S. Monson

Family and friends. Debbie and I love each of you. We are so grateful for brothers, uncles, fathers, grandfathers, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and others whom I not thinking of at the moment who have served to protect our liberties. From the bottom of our hearts, we THANK YOU!

I testify that the God in Heaven, our Heavenly Father, and our Savior Jesus Christ have great Eternal Rewards for each of you who have sacrificed so much for your fellow brothers and sisters. They love each of you, and they hold a special place in their hearts for your willingness to give your life for another. "John 15:13, Christ laid down His life for us because He loved us. Greater Love. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Have a safe and special Memorial Day as you reflect and count your blessings of these special men and women who, like Jesus Christ, gave all they had for us.

The following was written specifically for Veterans Day, I feel it's very appropriate for Memorial Day also.