Memorial Day 2017: Best Christian Quotes, Bible Verses

May 24, 2017 12:26 PM EDT

Memorial Day falls this Monday, May 29, and is a day set aside to honor our nation's military heroes -- the men and women who have died in wars to protect American liberty or in service to their country.

For Christians, the day also serves as a vivid reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that was paid for our spiritual freedom- that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, willingly bore our sins on the cross so that all who believe in Him might be reconciled to Him and have eternal life. John 15:13 reads, "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."

Originally called "Decoration Day," Memorial Day finds its roots in the American Civil War era, as it was first observed to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. In 1873, it developed into a holiday which honors all men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Americans have historically celebrated this occasion by placing flags or flowers on the gravesites of loved ones and those buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Across America, cities also celebrate those who have served our country with parades, barbeques, and other events.

This Memorial Day, take a moment to remember those who lost their lives so that we could enjoy life, peace, justice, and the freedom to enjoy the blessings given us by God.

Memorial Day Bible Verses

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."- John 15:13

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him" -John 3:16-17

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you." - Joshua 1:9

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." -Psalm 23:4

"Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." -Timothy 2:3

"Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."- John 14:1-3

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." - John 14:27

"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, And saves those who are crushed in spirit."- Psalm 34:18

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." -Isaiah 41:10

Memorial Day Quotes

"Our dead brothers still live for us, and bid us think of life, not death -- of life to which in their youth they lent the passion and joy of the spring. As I listen, the great chorus of life and joy begins again, and amid the awful orchestra of seen and unseen powers and destinies of good and evil our trumpets sound once more a note of daring, hope, and will." - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

"Memorial Day isn't just about honoring veterans, its honoring those who lost their lives. Veterans had the fortune of coming home. For us, that's a reminder of when we come home we still have a responsibility to serve. It's a continuation of service that honors our country and those who fell defending it." - Pete Hegseth

"Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong." - James Bryce

"May Heaven be propitious, and smile on the cause of my country." - Zebulon Pike

"In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." - Martin Luther King, Jr.