Memorial Day is generally associated with the arrival of summer, the local pool opening its gates and backyard barbecues. Although these are all good reasons to celebrate the holiday, Memorial Day was created as a day to honor and remember those who lost their lives while serving in the military. As you gather with friends and family, it is important to remember our veterans who lost their lives for their country, so here are a few ways to respectfully honor Memorial Day.
Remember Them Out Loud
Although it is tradition to honor fallen veterans with the national moment of silence at 3 PM on Memorial Day, it will also be a nice gesture to remember them out loud. 1- So, following the moment of silence, if you knew a fallen member of the military, remember them by talking out loud about them to someone. Saying your memories out loud is both healing and a respectful way to honor your loved one. 2- Today we also honor on social media with pictures and or words of thanks to those who served and those who served and lost their lives.
Visit the Cemetery
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, which is a day when Americans visited and decorated the graves of fallen veterans. 3- A wonderful way to honor those who have fallen while serving in the military is to visit a local cemetery and place fresh flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. If you already have plans on Memorial Day, consider going to the cemetery another day to respectfully lay your flowers. This is a good way to remember the meaning behind Memorial Day.
Give Thanks to Those Who Served
4- Although this is the day to honor and remember those who lost their lives while serving in the military, a kind gesture would be to write a thank you note for someone who served. The note should be light and heartfelt with a simple acknowledgment for all they do and how happy and thankful you are that they’re around. This is an especially great way to honor family members who are currently in the military but have loved ones who perished while serving.
Remember the reason for the holiday is important, but it is also a time to spend the day with family and friends. 5- This is a day for honoring and remembering and what better to do that than by surrounding yourself with loved ones, but between the parades, the snacks, and food at the backyard barbecue, take a minute to pay your respects to those who have given their lives for this day.
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