Memorial Day offers Americans a needed pause—a time to remember those who laid down their lives in military service. For Christians, it’s an opportunity not only for remembrance but also for reflection. How do we honor the sacrifice of fallen soldiers without drifting into a nationalism that competes with our allegiance to Christ? The answer lies in gratitude, not glorification.
Honoring the Fallen Without Worshiping the Flag: A Christian Reflection on Memorial Day
Scripture teaches us to “give honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7). Recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers is appropriate and biblical. Many gave their lives in pursuit of justice, protection, and peace—ideals that echo biblical values. We should grieve their loss, comfort the families they left behind, and express our heartfelt thanks for their service.
But we must also be careful not to conflate our faith with our flag. Patriotism can be a noble value, but when national pride eclipses Kingdom loyalty, it becomes a form of idolatry. Jesus didn’t die to make us better citizens of any earthly nation—He died to make us citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). While we may wave the American flag with gratitude, we kneel only at the foot of the cross.
Memorial Day should not become a religious holiday that centers America in the gospel story. We can thank God for the blessings of living in this country while remembering that our hope doesn’t rest in military strength, political freedom, or constitutional rights. Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
So how should we observe Memorial Day as followers of Jesus?
- Grieve with hope. Mourn the fallen, but not as those without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Honor their memory, pray for their families, and recognize the high cost of war.
- Give thanks, not worship. Be grateful for the freedoms you enjoy but be cautious of singing louder to your country than you do to your Savior. Your ultimate allegiance belongs to Christ alone.
- Serve like a soldier. Scripture often compares the Christian life to that of a soldier—marked by sacrifice, discipline, and endurance (2 Timothy 2:3-4). Let this holiday remind you to live with Kingdom purpose.
- Pray for peace. As you remember the cost of war, pray for a day when swords will be beaten into plowshares (Isaiah 2:4). Long for the Prince of Peace to reign on earth as He does in heaven.
This Memorial Day, pause in gratitude. Remember with reverence. But don’t stop there. Fix your eyes beyond the tombs of fallen heroes and gaze upon the empty tomb of your risen King. The greatest freedom isn’t secured by battle but by blood—Christ’s blood shed for the salvation of the world.
Honor the sacrifice of others, but worship the One who made the ultimate one.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
