Hey there,
On Monday we’ll celebrate Memorial Day in the US.
It’s a national holiday … so hopefully you’ll get some extra time off work.
Sometimes I find people get Memorial Day and Veterans Day confused.
Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday in May, is the day we remember and honor all those brave men and women who died in military service.
Veterans Day, which is always on November 11, is when we celebrate all the veterans of military service.
And the third Saturday in May is a lesser known celebration called Armed Forces Day … when we celebrate all of our active military.
To be honest, I didn’t even realize last Saturday was Armed Forces Day! It’s sad that we don’t make as much fuss over our active soldiers as we do those who are deceased and retired. To all the soldiers out there, thank you for all you do for us every day.
This week, Genuflect looks at the coming Memorial Day from a Catholic perspective. Why it’s important to do more than remember the men and women who died to keep our freedom, several saints who were soldiers, Memorial Day prayers, and numerous ways to honor our fallen.
Enjoy your extra day off this weekend. And don’t forget to honor our fallen soldiers in your prayers.
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Honoring The Fallen
Memorial Day is more than a federal holiday — as Catholics, we are called to honor and pray for those who gave their lives in service to others. Father Peter Scheffer shares his perspective as both a combat veteran and a Catholic priest.
A Memorial Day Reflection | Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River
Do More Than Remember
As Catholics, Memorial Day is about more than simply remembering those who have died. This reflection reminds us that honoring the dead should also include praying for their souls and entrusting them to God’s mercy.
Memorial Day is The Most Catholic Secular Holiday | Papal Artifacts
Observe Memorial Day as a Catholic
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, but it is also an opportunity to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. Here are 7 ways Catholics can observe the holiday with prayer, gratitude, and faith.
Seven Ways to Observe Memorial Day as a Catholic | This Ain’t the Lyceum
Courageous Soldier Saints
Throughout history, many Saints courageously served and defended their countries and people. This article highlights the stories of six of those Saints.
6 Saints Who Were Also Extremely Courageous Soldiers | EpicPew
Virtual Memorial Day Retreat
Take time this Memorial Day to prayerfully reflect on those who gave their lives in service to others. This virtual retreat offers moments of gratitude and remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Virtual Memorial Day Retreat: Remembering Those Who Serve | Busted Halo
Memorial Day Prayers
This Memorial Day reflection honors the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Here are 15 prayers for the safety and protection of those currently serving.
15 Inspirational Prayers For Memorial Day | BeliefNet
20 Powerful Memorials
This Memorial Day, take time to experience powerful and moving memorials that honor the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. Here are 20 of them.
These Powerful Monuments Will Remind You That Freedom Isn’t Free | BuzzFeed
Memorial Day Movies
Here are 22 films to help remember that there is much greater significance to Memorial Day than sun and fun.
American History: Memorial Day Weekend Movies| The American Catholic
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Inspiration For Your Desktop and Phone
Click below to download this week’s free Memorial Day inspirational wallpaper for your desktop and your phone.
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Photo by Simeon Muller on Unsplash
