This Memorial Day: How Will You Honor and Remember Those We Have Lost?
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States, a day set aside to honor and remember those who have died in service to the United States Military. For many Americans, this includes dearly loved friends and family. But for those who do not have a personal connection, stories can be useful to spark our understanding.
Today we are pleased to welcome Scott Conner, U.S. field director/Awana missionary and chaplain for the US Air Force Reserve. Here are his thoughts on honoring Memorial Day, May 25.
In 2014, I was asked to preside over and give remarks at the graveside service of Thomas S. Lyons—an experience I would not soon forget. Officiating at this graveside service in my capacity as Air Force chaplain brought me close to an otherwise far-off event in history.
Undoubtedly there were hopes and dreams in the eyes of 19-year-old Airman Second Class Thomas S. Lyons, U.S. Air Force, as he sat in a C-124 Globemaster II aircraft, en route to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Yet, he and 51 other military members were lost that day, November 22, 1952, when their aircraft crashed into Mount Gannett in Alaska. The crash and explosion caused an avalanche that covered the plane.
It wasn’t until 60 years later that the wreckage was found, as parts of the Colony Glacier moved and melted over time. Though generations had passed, this glacial change allowed the remains to be collected finally and provided closure to the service members’ families.
This Memorial Day, let us remember. Make a plan with your family.
On Memorial Day, we remember the lives that have been lost, the men and women who have died in war or service. The magnitude of this cost is glimpsed in the number of lives lost over the past centuries. According to Wikipedia, more than 1.3 million Americans were killed in war between 1775 and 2019—and that is just one country’s tally. While this number is great, the ripple effect on countless families and communities around the world is greater still.
So, this Memorial Day, let us remember. Make a plan with your family. How will you remember those we have lost and their families? Here are some ideas to consider:
- Reach out to members of your church or community who have lost loved ones.
- Visit a memorial site or parade.
- Bring flowers to decorate a grave site.
- Watch a documentary (if appropriate for your children’s ages).
- Look at pictures of lost family or friends.
- Create new life by planting a tree or a flower bed.
- Spend the day in service to a neighbor in need.
- Spend time praying for all involved in past, present, and future wars.
Most of all, on this Memorial Day, let us pray for God’s peace, justice, and goodness to reign in our lives, our communities, and our countries. And may we reflect on the depth of the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf.
Scott Conner is a U.S. field director and Awana missionary in northern Michigan. Scott also serves as a chaplain with the U.S. Air Force Reserve and was recently promoted to the rank of Major. He is driven by connecting with ministry leaders and helping them reach more children with the gospel. He has 10 years of pastoral ministry experience and received his bachelor’s degree, along with a Masters of Divinity degree, from Clarks Summit University. He enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring God’s creation with his wife and four kids.
