Honor Those Who Have Given All This Memorial Day

As the unofficial start of summer, the arrival of Memorial Day conjures up thoughts of picnics, parades and endless days of fun in the sun. It is also a day for honoring those who have given all in service to our country. As we look forward to a long weekend, let’s remember the reason for our short work week!

Honor Those Who Served

Whether kicking off your summer travels or enjoying the day at home, there are many ways to observe and reflect on this national holiday. If traveling, find a national cemetery or memorial at which to pay your respects. Attend a parade (there’s surely one wherever you may be!). Pause at 3:00 pm for a moment of silence as part of the National Moment of Remembrance Resolution.

If you’re spending your day at home, consider committing some time to a veteran’s organization that welcomes volunteers. Display your U.S. flag in a prominent place- but be sure to take it down at night if it’s not illuminated. Visit with a veteran or a family member of a lost one. There are countless ways to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.

Our family will be at our small town’s Memorial Day Parade, led by local veterans of all ages and military branches. We’ll be proudly standing as the brave men and women of our armed services pass in shined up convertibles and collector cars. We’ll be waving our flags in a sea of red, white and blue as our local high school band plays with patriotic fervor. At the conclusion of the parade route, we will be in the cemetery for a service honoring our fallen heroes.

Don’t let this Memorial Day pass as just another day off work. Take time- wherever you are – to respect and commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation and the freedoms we all hold dear.