Memorial Day 2026.
I want to wish you a reflective Memorial Day that we may never forget.
I get goosebumps every time I see this photo. I also remember my trip to D.C. and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Seeing those soldiers keeping watch over that tomb is such an awe-inspiring moment. If you’ve never been and get the opportunity, be sure to go by there.
Today is about remembering those who gave their lives in service to our country. Memorial Day started after the Civil War when people all over the country put flowers on the graves of those killed in the War, both Union and Confederate. You can read about it here.
For years, the country held it on May 30th, because that’s the date the first organized recognition occurred under Maj. Gen. John A. Logan at Arlington Cemetery. Then it moved to the fourth Monday in May to allow families to gather.
Me, personally–I still celebrate it on May 30th, but I went ahead and posted it on Monday. 🙂
WASHINGTON,USA – JULY 15: changing the guard in the afternoon at the grave of the unknown soldier at the cemetery of Arlington on July 15,2010 in Washington, USA
Post updated and reprinted 2025, and now for one of my favorites that I love to hear on Memorial Day.
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Comments 24
Beautiful and thoughtful photographs. They bring back memories for me, too. One of the best memories from the time in lived in the area was the Washington Symphony playing at Arlington Cemetery.
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Thanks, Tim! I would love to hear the Washington Symphony at Arlington! That would be awesome.
Have a peaceful Memorial Day, Pat.❤
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Thanks, Priscilla!
Thank you for sharing this. A beautiful reminder of those who gave all for our country.
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Thank you, Carolyn. It’s a very sobering holiday.
My heart is humbled by all the lives sacrificed for our freedom. And yet Jesus’ sacrifice is for ALL not just those of us in the USA.
Thank you, Pat, for sharing these photos and the GVB singing America the Beautiful! Very moving!
I agree, Pat, seeing the soldiers keeping watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the changing of the guards is very inspiring! Looking out over Arlington was also very touching! So thankful I was able to experience this!
Thank you to those who gave their all and to their families
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I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Mary G! I loved going to Arlington–it’s something I’ll never forget.
Beautiful post, Pat!
May we always remember and honor those who gave their all for our freedom.
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Amen, Caryl!
That brings back memories of my trip to DC. I was 12. 1960. We saw John John on the Whitehouse lawn. My brother was 2 and ran up the steps at the Capitol after we walked from the Whitehouse. I believe we ate at an automat. Where you see what you want behind a little glass door and put your coin in to open it.
Oops ! Must have been 1961.
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🙂
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Oh, wow, Paula. That was a trip to remember!
Lovely post, Pat. I enjoyed seeing the changing of the guards years ago. Very inspiring.
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The changing of the Guard is awesome, Gloria! I’m glad I got to see it.
My parents took my brother and me to Arlington when we were boys. All I remember is the changing of the guard. That was quite interesting to see even though I didn’t understand much about it at that young age. Thanks for sharing today, Pat.
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I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Edward! My visit to Arlington was the highlight of my visit to DC.
Thank you for a very touching and appropriate picture Patricia. I’ve also been to Arlington cemetery and visited the Vietnam Wall while in D.C. It’s something that stays with you. I pray the future generations will always know and realize the sacrifices our soldiers have made for our freedom. May every day be a Memorial Day!
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Amen, Dottie!
It would be special to see the changing of the guard.
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That is such an awe-inspiring moment, Sally Jo!
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