I never understood the term Decoration Day until I moved to Worcester.  Folks in my church actually decorated their loved ones’ graves for Memorial Day.  Families consulted to see who would be responsible for which cemetery plots.  They planted geraniums or pansies or a pinwheel for a child.  A bunch of cut roses placed on a fresh grave indicated fresh grief.

I live too far from my family graves to partake in this particular custom.  One set of grandparents are laid to rest in New Jersey the others in Hamilton, New York.  But I love the idea of honoring the dead by gardening graveside.  On Memorial Day, let us remember not only our veterans of war but also our ancestors, our loved ones, our friends.  Cemeteries, called “memorial parks” in the late 19th century, once served as picnic grounds for families gathering to remember those they had lost.  Who has time to linger in such remembrance in our 21st century rush?

How will you honor the dead this Memorial Day?  Sing out the names of those you have loved and lost and thank God for your sweet memories.  Choose to live in the present moment, for death focuses us on precious life.  If the graves of your loved ones are too far for you to travel to, call your living relatives to express your gratitude for life and love.  If you can not decorate the grave of your beloved, decorate your heart with memories, thanksgiving and prayers.