Community of Christ Church Offers Memorial Day Crosses for Public Reflection

Dozens of white crosses are planted in the grass at Shawnee Drive Community of Christ Church each Memorial Day, serving as a communal space for remembrance. The crosses, each bearing a name and a memory, are placed on the church lawn to honor lives that have mattered. Church leaders invite the public to visit, grab a Sharpie, and add a name they love, creating a shared memorial that reflects on the past and honors those who are no longer with us.

The tradition, which has grown over the years, allows visitors to write names and reflect on their significance. Church member and pastor Huyett shared that the event often becomes a gathering place for people to share stories and memories, making it a meaningful experience for many. He noted that the practice helps individuals reconnect with their loved ones and pass on cherished memories to younger generations.

Huyett personally wrote his mother’s name on a cross, a gesture that symbolizes the church’s commitment to remembering those who have passed. He emphasized the importance of reflection and storytelling, stating that the event provides an opportunity to reminisce while also looking forward. The crosses remain on display throughout the week, encouraging anyone to stop by and pay respects to their lost loved ones.

The church’s initiative reflects a broader community effort to honor the past and foster connection. By inviting the public to participate, the Community of Christ Church creates a space where individuals can share their grief and gratitude. This practice aligns with the church’s values of care, remembrance, and community, offering a tangible way to honor those who have shaped lives.

The Memorial Day cross tradition exemplifies the importance of remembering and honoring loved ones, a theme echoed in Micah 6:8, which calls for acts of mercy, justice, and humility. By creating a shared space for remembrance, the church encourages its members and the wider community to reflect on the lives that have touched them and to carry those memories forward with compassion and grace.

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