Memorial Day: Honoring Their Courage, Together
On this Memorial Day, we pause.
In the business of our lives—filled with routines, gatherings, and gentle joys—it can be easy to move through the day as just another long weekend. But at its heart, Memorial Day is a sacred moment: a chance to remember, reflect, and honor.
Today, we at Modern Prairie remember those who gave their lives in service to this country. Their sacrifice wasn’t abstract—it was personal. It was sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends, spouses, and neighbors. It was ordinary people who made an extraordinary choice to serve, and who never made it home.
For many in our community, Memorial Day carries deep emotion. Some of us have stories passed down through generations. Others have folded flags, worn photographs, or graves we visit in quiet. Whether your connection is personal or reverent from a distance, you are welcome here in this moment of remembrance.
We believe there’s something powerful in taking time to honor the past—in keeping traditions alive, and in remembering those who made our freedom possible. You don’t have to do something grand. Sometimes, it’s the small, intentional acts that mean the most.
Here are a few simple ways we’re honoring Memorial Day within our community:
Lighting a candle in the window at dusk.
Sharing stories of loved ones who served.
Placing wildflowers or flags at a local memorial or cemetary.
Cooking a family recipe passed down by someone we've lost.
Sitting in silence, holding space.
As a community rooted in connection and care, we hold this day gently, together. We extend our gratitude not only to those who served, but to the families who carry their memory forward.
If someone in your life has served — and especially if they made the ultimate sacrifice — we invite you to share a memory with us in the comments below.
A name.
A moment.
A lesson.
A photo.
However small or simple it may seem, your story matters. Their courage deserves to be remembered.
From all of us at Modern Prairie, thank you—for remembering, for honoring, and for walking with us in this moment.
With heartfelt appreciation,
The Modern Prairie Team
17 comments
I grew up in the shadow of service. Both of my grandfathers served in World War II—one went on to fight in Korea. My father wore the uniform through the Vietnam War and dedicated the rest of his life to a full military career. As a child, I moved from base to base, never calling any place home for long, except for the community of those who serve.
Later, I married an Air Force officer. He was on active duty during 9/11 and throughout Operation Enduring Freedom. As an officer’s wife, I found myself standing in roles I had never imagined—helping grieving families receive their loved ones, returned to them in flag-draped coffins at Andrews Air Force Base. Each farewell was sacred. Each loss, personal. Many of those souls were buried at Arlington, where the cost of freedom is carved into stone.
One weekend, my father—still active duty—came to visit. We joined a funeral detail together. Outside the gates, protesters had gathered, shouting hateful words and burning American flags. I stood there, surrounded by mothers and children preparing to lay their sons and daughters to rest, and my heart broke. I turned to my family and said, “I wish we could stop those protesters.”
My father, a man who had known the battlefield and lost brothers to it, gently stood and said something I will never forget:
“No. I lost brothers on the battlefield to protect those freedoms.”
That moment changed me. It carved itself into my heart as a lesson about what it truly means to live in liberty—and what it truly costs.
This is what I remember on Memorial Day.
I remember the ones who never came home. I remember the quiet strength of the families they left behind. I remember that freedom is not free—and that it must be protected, even when it’s uncomfortable or painful.
Today, my two sons wear the uniform. They, too, serve with honor. And while our nation may not always be united in opinion, we can be united in gratitude—for the gift of liberty, and for those who have paid the ultimate price so that we might live free.
My father Richard B served during WW2 as a US Navy bugler on an aircraft carrier. He went to heaven in March 2016. He was the best father and husband. I miss him.
My father, Andrew J Shrum, served in the navy during the Korean War. He was on the destroyer escort ship – Radford. He was very proud of his service and I’m very proud of his service as well. I lost him to Lewy Body Dementia in 2014…and I still miss him terribly. Thank you, Dad, for your service.
My husband Bill served in Vietnam in the 70’s. He is a great man. Those virtues instilled in him from his service I the United States Air force are permanent and vertous. My Dad Denver served in the Army he is already receiving his reward in heaven he also was a great man. My dad would do anything for his friends and family he had a heart of gold. My brother Roy served in the Army along with his wife Barbra whom I have great respect and honor for. My nephews Doug and Damon served in the Marines following the footsteps of their dad. Doug is highly skilled. Damon reinvested after his term and went to Afghanistan to free those folk from their oppression from evil men. My Father in law served in the Navy during WW2 those guys came home with a strength and honor that have lasted a lifetime. My Cousin Jim served for many years in the Navy and is greatly esteemed by all who know him. With all my love- Joy
My Dad, Ralph Deltondo, served in the Navy during World War II. His courage, dedication, and sacrifice helped shape the world we live in today. He stood with unwavering strength, fighting for freedom and justice, ensuring a better future for generations to come.
On this Memorial Day, I remember not just his service, but his kindness, wisdom, and the love he carried beyond the battlefield. His legacy lives on in my heart and in the lives he touched.
Thank you, Dad, for your service and sacrifice. You are deeply missed, forever cherished, and always remembered.
Love you!