As we approach again the annual observance of Memorial Day, the question comes to mind “For what shall it be a memorial?”
All honor to the courageous hosts of those who have died in defense of their country, but to their lists we should like to add the roster of yet others who have lived for their country in courageous service.
We think of great statesmen and women, great inventors, great physicians, great spiritual leaders. We think of the gallant unknown who, on a thousand frontiers of peacetime service, have given their best with no recognition, no flags, no beat of drums, no tramp of feet to stir them on.
Memorial Day! What better occasion to remember all unselfish service, all loyalty and devotion to ideals? Need it be conceded that there are no heroes but fallen heroes? May we not honor the noble living as well as the dead?
A part of our Memorial Day observance may surely be very well dedicated to some act of thoughtful remembrance that would make the day a happier, brighter one to someone who has rendered and is rendering unusual service to the country, or perhaps to our own community.
Living memorials! A little special help to someone who is carrying on bravely in the face of seeming odds. A note of appreciation to some friend or loved one. A contribution to some living cause. Flowers for a shut-in. A pilgrimage to some living shrine. Let us say, “I dedicate this day to the remembrance of living causes and loved friends, through thoughts, words and deeds of true appreciation.”
—From Weekly Unity, May 30, 1936
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