6 Patriotic Ways to Celebrate this Memorial Day

04 May 2017

Memorial Day is just a few weeks away! This holiday is often viewed as the kick-off of summer. Family and friends celebrate together over backyard picnics and the American Flag can be seen from far and wide. Amidst all of this fun and festivities, we can lose sight of the sacred meaning of Memorial Day and the soldiers who gave their life while serving our country. This Memorial Day, consider doing some of these patriotic activities to help remind you of the reason for the holiday.

Attend a Parade

Show your support by attending a local parade (or having one in your own backyard). Wave your American Flag and cheer for the many men and women who continue to serve our country. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the parade atmosphere, while connecting with their community.

Decorate

Hang your American Flag on your porch or outside your door, add a touch of “red, white and blue” to your home’s décor or create some patriotic crafts over Memorial Day Weekend. You don’t have to go all-out to make your space feel more festive. Even a small American Flag placed in a flowerpot can brighten the room and remind you that it’s Memorial Day Weekend.

Support the Buddy Poppy Program

Leading up to Memorial Day, VFWs take donations for poppies that were made by disabled and needy veterans in VA hospitals. It’s a tradition that’s been in place since 1924! In case you didn’t know, the poppy’s significance to Memorial Day is the result of the John McCrae poem “In Flanders Fields.” By purchasing one, you’re helping to maintain state and national rehabilitation and service programs for veterans.

Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance.

On Memorial Day at 3 p. m. (local time), the National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans to pause in an act of national unity (for one minute). This tends to be the time of day when most Americans are busy enjoying their holiday, making it all the more important to take time to remember the reason for the day.

Refresh What Your Know About History

Another way to honor our fallen soldiers is to make an effort to learn about our nation’s history, of which they are a special part. There’s likely many facts you don’t know about various wars, so head to the library or hit the internet from some impromptu history lessons! Make it a game between family members to see who can find answers to various questions related to American wars.

Write a Letter to a Veteran

Finally, put your pen to paper and open your heart to a veteran. Although Memorial Day is to honor our fallen soldiers, living veterans very much appreciate hearing your words of gratitude for their service. There are programs that will connect you with a veteran so you may write him or her a letter. This is a caring and personal way to show your support for our military and all they have provided to us.

How do you plan to honor our veterans this Memorial Day? Share your ideas by leaving a comment!