Memorial day is set aside to honor the sacrifice of those who, with the clear vision of what was before them, embraced the "glory and the danger". It matters little which long-ago or current battle claimed them, on this day, we solemnly reflect on what they did for us.

  

     And so, we honor our dead: we speak their name, "decorate" their graves, shed a tear and celebrate the lives they lived. As we pay tribute to those brave men and women who gave that "last full measure of devotion", let us pause for a moment to remember, as well, their families and friends whose sense of loss on this day is surely palpable.

  

       Our sense of loss is always with us, and yet, we know that eventually, our grief changes--over time as we engage the difficult work-of-grief. We wrap ouselves in the memories we have made with those who have died: we hold them close knowing that we will make no new memories with them.

     And so, on this weekend, we honor our dead, we "decorate" their graves, whisper a silent prayer and shed our tears. And we remember the little things about them: how he loved to walk in the rain, her smile lit up the whole room, sometimes he just liked being alone "to think", her gentle touch soothed...and, in remembering, we celebrate their lives! We rejoice in the time we had with them and we carry them in that special place in our heart that sustains us.....And then:

  

     We make time to be with family and friends and we live with joy---in the midst of sadness---we reach for moments of joy! It is in living our lives fully, in wholeness and in joy, that we honor those who have died...for they live now in the fullness of our living.

  

     Make this a memorable day, mourn your dead and honor their memory by celebrating their having lived.  

  

      "I hold it true,whate'er befall: