Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. For most people it is a day of parades, flags and cookouts. For families who lost someone, it is a day of remembering.
Below are Memorial Day quotes and short messages you can write in a card to a Gold Star family or a friend who is remembering someone they lost.
Article contents
- When Is Memorial Day 2027?
- Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day
- Memorial Day Quotes
- Memorial Day Messages for a Gold Star Family
- Short Memorial Day Messages
- How to Sign a Memorial Day Card
- Frequently Asked Questions
When Is Memorial Day 2027?
Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. In 2027 it falls on Monday, May 31.
Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day
Memorial Day remembers service members who died in military service. Veterans Day, on November 11, thanks everyone who has served, living or not. A "thank you for your service" message fits Veterans Day better. For that, see our Veterans Day wishes and quotes.
Memorial Day Quotes
A quote works well at the top of a card, with a line of your own below it. The last three are common sayings.
- "It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced." (Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address)
- "In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row." (John McCrae)
- "We cherish too, the Poppy red / That grows on fields where valor led." (Moina Michael)
- "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." (George S. Patton)
- "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." (John F. Kennedy)
- "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." (Ronald Reagan)
- "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:13, NIV)
- "All gave some. Some gave all." (Saying)
- "Home of the free, because of the brave." (Saying)
- "Freedom is not free." (Korean War Veterans Memorial)
Memorial Day Messages for a Gold Star Family
A Gold Star family is one that lost a loved one in military service. Use the name of the person who died, and keep the message short and sincere.
- Thinking of you this Memorial Day and remembering Michael with you.
- We will never forget Sam's service or his sacrifice. Holding your family close today.
- On Memorial Day we remember your son with gratitude and honor.
- Your family gave more than most of us will ever understand. We remember him with you.
- Remembering your dad today and every day. He was a hero to so many of us.
- Thank you for sharing Josh's story with us. We will keep telling it.
- No words are enough, but please know your husband's sacrifice is not forgotten.
- Honoring the memory of your grandfather this Memorial Day, and thinking of your family.
Short Memorial Day Messages
For a card to a neighbor, a church group or a veterans post.
- Remembering the fallen, and thankful for their sacrifice.
- Honoring those who gave all.
- With gratitude to the ones who did not come home.
- Today we remember. We will never forget.
How to Sign a Memorial Day Card
"With gratitude," "In remembrance," "With deepest respect" and "Thinking of you" all work. Sign your full name so the family knows who remembered.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Memorial Day 2027?
Memorial Day 2027 is Monday, May 31. It is always the last Monday in May.
Is it OK to say "Happy Memorial Day"?
Many people prefer not to, because the day remembers those who died. "Have a meaningful Memorial Day" or "Remembering the fallen today" are good choices, especially in a card to a Gold Star family.
Should I send a card to a Gold Star family on Memorial Day?
Yes. Families often say the hardest part is feeling that their loved one is forgotten. A short card that uses their name tells them someone remembers.
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
Memorial Day honors those who died in military service. Veterans Day honors everyone who served.
Cards for Memorial Day
Our flag card sets are blank inside, printed on 100% recycled paper, and come with envelopes.
See all of our patriotic cards and thank you for your service cards.
