Need Some Patriotic Inspiration? 30+ Memorial Day Quotes That Respect and Celebrate the Holiday (2024)

Family barbecues, pool days, and the indication that summer is right around the corner are Memorial Day staples. However, the true meaning of the holiday is remembering those who have lost their lives while serving our country. Fortunately, you can easily share your appreciation and respect through meaningful quotes. If you’re having trouble coming up with the right things to say, it’s likely others are in the same boat. Luckily, Woman’s World compiled more than 30 Memorial Day quotes that honor the spirit of the occasion. Keep scrolling to see the list.

Memorial Day quotes about the holiday and the United States

  1. “Land of the free because of the brave.” – Francis Scott Key
  2. “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is home of the brave.” – Elmer Davis
  3. “All gave some, some gave all.” – Billy Ray Cyrus
  4. “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices” – Harry S. Truman
  5. “Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” – Douglas Macarthur
  6. “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” – John F. Kennedy
  7. “As America celebrates Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in our nation’s wars.” – John M. McHugh
  8. “One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one Nation, evermore!” – Oliver Wendell Holmes
  9. “This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home. This is not Veterans Day, it’s not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom.” – Tamra Bolton
  10. “Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” – Adlai Stevenson II

Related: Bo Derek, Ann-Margret, Tanya Tucker and More Share Powerful Memorial Day Quotes

Memorial Day quotes honoring fallen soldiers and military members

Need Some Patriotic Inspiration? 30+ Memorial Day Quotes That Respect and Celebrate the Holiday (1)
  1. “The legacy of brave men and women who have fought and died for their country is the freedom we enjoy as Americans.” – Lucien Adams
  2. “The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men.” – Minot J. Savage
  3. “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Unknown
  4. “And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty weeps the brave.” – Joseph Rodman Drake
  5. “I have long believed that sacrifice is the pinnacle of patriotism.” – Bob Riley
  6. “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
  7. “Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay.” – Barack Obama
  8. “We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them.” – Francis A. Walker
  9. “May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn’t free.” – Sgt. Major Bill Paxton
  10. “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” – John F. Kennedy

Memorial Day quotes about military heroes

Need Some Patriotic Inspiration? 30+ Memorial Day Quotes That Respect and Celebrate the Holiday (2)
  1. “Without a sign, his sword the brave man draws, and asks no omen, but his country’s cause. ” – Homer
  2. “I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.” – Bob Dylan
  3. “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” – G.K. Chesterton
  4. “Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
  5. “Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.” – Emily Dickinson
  6. I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” – Nathan Hale
  7. “How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!”– Maya Angelou
  8. ”A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” – Joseph Campbell.
  9. “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.” – Benjamin Disraeli
  10. Heroes never die. They live on forever in the hearts and minds of those who would follow in their footsteps.” – Emily Potter

Related: Grieving Sister Finds Hope And Healing On Memorial Day: “Honoring Others Truly Brings Joy To My Heart!”

Memorial Day quotes about freedom

  1. “And I’m proud to be an American Where at least I know I’m free And I won’t forget the men who died Who gave that right to me.” – Lee Greenwood
  2. “Freely we serve, because we freely love, as in our will to love or not; in this we stand or fall.” – John Milton
  3. “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation. ” – Douglas MacArthur
  4. “The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is courage.” – Carrie Jones
  5. “May we think of freedom, not as the right to as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” – Peter Marshall

For more Memorial Day content click through the links below:

Memorial Day Crafts: 6 Patriotic and Festive Displays for Every Skill Level

8 Patriotic Movies That Are Perfect Viewing for Memorial Day — Plus, How to Watch Them

Memorial Day Sales: Where To Save Big on Furniture, Appliances, and More Now Through MDW

Need Some Patriotic Inspiration? 30+ Memorial Day Quotes That Respect and Celebrate the Holiday (2024)

FAQs

Need Some Patriotic Inspiration? 30+ Memorial Day Quotes That Respect and Celebrate the Holiday? ›

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.”

What do you say to honor Memorial Day? ›

Remembering their courage, honor and bravery, today and every day.
  • To our freedom, we owe a debt we can never hope to repay.
  • Never forget.
  • One day does not seem like enough to thank all those who've sacrificed so much.
  • For bravery, courage and valor, we thank you.

What is a powerful quote for Remembrance Day? ›

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.”

What should I say instead of Happy Memorial Day? ›

Instead of “Happy Memorial Day,” you can say something like “Have a meaningful Memorial Day.” I know it's confusing because we all get 'Happy Memorial Day' in promotional emails from brands and it's become a holiday weekend for barbecues but as an American who is so grateful to everyone who fights to protect us, I'm ...

What is a good memorial quote? ›

In the hearts of those who loved you, you will always be there.” “As you were you will always be, treasured forever in our memory.” “I keep in my heart the love of the past, for there it was planted forever to last.” “Your presence I miss, your memory I treasure, loving you always, forgetting you never.”

What is the best inspirational quote for the military? ›

Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.” “Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid.” “I don't know whether this is the best of times or the worst of times, but I assure you it's the only time you've got.” “There are some who speak one moment before they think.”

What is a short poem for Remembrance Day? ›

In Flanders Fields

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.

What are some Remembrance Day words? ›

Some words include 'poppy,' 'armistice,' cenotaph,' and plenty more! Downloadable in seconds, it would make a great addition to a Remembrance Day Vocabulary display or as a reference for consolidating spelling, and it is also ideal for lower and middle primary.

What are the key messages of Remembrance Day? ›

On Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country and acknowledge our responsibility to work for the peace they fought hard to achieve. During times of war, individual acts of heroism occur frequently; only a few are ever recorded and receive official recognition.

What not to say on Memorial Day? ›

  • Don't wish anyone a “Happy Memorial Day” This is not Christmas – Memorial Day was not founded in joy with the promise of bringing glee each year. ...
  • Don't thank the current troops. ...
  • Don't disregard its importance. ...
  • Don't forget it exists. ...
  • Don't let politics keep you from rendering respect.
May 6, 2024

Is it politically correct to say Happy Memorial Day? ›

Veterans Day is the one where we give thanks to all that [sic] have served, but Memorial Day is supposed to be a somber day set aside for remembrance of those that [sic] have died serving their country. It is not a happy day."

Is it appropriate to thank a veteran on Memorial Day? ›

Most people say “Happy Memorial Day” or they will take to social media to thank veterans for their service. But many veterans say this makes them uncomfortable because it's not about them. For some, the freedom to celebrate holidays is why they risked their lives.

What is a short quote for a memorial card? ›

Common Memorial Quotes
  • We miss you and love you always.
  • Loving you forever.
  • Forever in our hearts.
  • Nothing can ever take away a love the heart holds dear.
  • Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.
  • Greatly loved, deeply missed.
  • Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure.
Oct 25, 2022

What is a simple prayer for Memorial Day? ›

Gracious God, On this Memorial Day, we pray for those who courageously laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. May the examples of their sacrifice inspire in us the selfless love of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

How do you write a short memorial tribute? ›

What Topics Should Be Covered In A Funeral Tribute Or Eulogy?
  1. The person's character.
  2. Accomplishments or things that brought them joy or pride.
  3. Contributions and impact on family, friends, and the community.
  4. Meaningful memories and experiences.
  5. Knowledge they imparted or skills they taught others.

What is an inspiring message to soldiers? ›

Wishing you nothing but the best on your mission.” “You'll be in a lot of people's thoughts, prayers and hearts while you're over there.” “You and your unit are strong, brave, trained and skilled. You got this.”

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