Reflective Journal Prompts in Honor of Memorial Day

This Monday is Memorial Day, a federal holiday in the United States intended to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the military. The observance of Memorial Day began unofficially in the years following the American Civil War when citizens in different towns and cities started paying tribute to fallen soldiers by holding memorials, participating in parades and decorating graves with flowers. It became an official holiday in 1971, and today, Memorial Day marks a day of remembrance for some and the unofficial start of the summer season for others.

What significance does Memorial Day have for you? This long weekend, choose one of the following journal prompts to explore your thoughts.

Memorial Day Journaling Ideas

1. Reflect on the intention of the holiday. Who do you think of when you remember those who have died in military service? Do you think of past wars or more recent conflicts? Have you lost someone you knew personally? Do you know others who have been affected by the loss of a family member or friend? What emotions does this topic bring up for you? Do you feel sadness, respect, anger, guilt, judgment or ambivalence? Why?

2. Think about the words “memory” and “memorial.” What meanings do they have for you? How do you remember any of your loved ones who are no longer with you? Do you have any rituals or traditions to keep their memory alive or pay tribute to them? Do you hold on to any keepsakes that remind you of them?

3. Do a timed free-writing exercise and explore your opinions on the US military for 15 minutes. Here are some questions to help get you started: Do you have friends or family members who have served in the military? What were their personal experiences? What do you think about the military’s current role in national security and foreign affairs? What do you think should stay the same? What do you think should change? Do you think the US takes good care of its active duty service members and veterans? Why or why not? Would you describe yourself as patriotic? What does that word mean for you? How has that changed over the years?

4. Think back to past Memorial Days and your plans for this holiday weekend. How do you usually spend this time? Is it an occasion for family gatherings, parades or summer kick-off vacations?

Not enough? Need more journaling ideas for Memorial Day? Maybe some of these hundreds of Journal Prompts will work for you!