The Diocese of Winona-Rochester celebrated Memorial Day on Monday, asking the faithful to remember John 15:13.

“Today we remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom,” the diocese posted on Facebook. It included an illustration with the aforementioned Bible excerpt that reads, in part: “For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all.” 

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offered a prayer in conjunction with Memorial Day, as well. It is posted on Facebook and reads: “God of power and mercy, you destroy war and put down earthly pride. Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears, that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters. Keep in your mercy those men and women who have died in the cause of freedom and bring them safely into your kingdom of justice and peace.” 

Many Catholics commemorate Memorial Day by attending Mass at a local cemetery, according to Catholic Digest. Many charitable organizations that provide services and resources for veterans offer volunteer opportunities.

St. Pope John Paul II established the Archdiocese for the Military Services in the 1980s with the goal of providing pastoral care and ministry to members of the U.S. armed forces. The Archdiocese for the Military Services now operates more than 220 installations in 29 different countries. 

U.S. Army archives show that 6,462 Minnesotans gave their lives while serving in World War II, 548 Minnesotans died while serving in Korea, and 707 died while serving in Vietnam.