Many people think of Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial beginning of summer or a time to reconnect with family and friends.
The true meaning and importance of Memorial Day are much more than that. Memorial
Day observances originated at the end of the Civil War, originally called
Decoration Day, but it became a national holiday in 1971. The intention of the
holiday is to honor American soldiers who died while serving in the military.
This year, most official parades and celebrations are canceled as are many
private celebrations. Here are 7 ways you can observe Memorial Day this year.
1. Observe a moment of silence
Many people may not realize that at 3 p.m. local time
on Memorial Day, people are encouraged to observe a moment of silence to
remember and thank America’s military dead. This National Moment of Remembrance
was first implemented in May of 2000 because polls showed the overwhelming
majority of Americans did not know the meaning of Memorial Day. Take a moment
to reflect upon the sacrifice our families, friends, and fellow Americans have
made.
2. Attend a virtual or in-person commemoration
The VA conducts wreath-laying ceremonies
at the national military cemeteries. Many of them will be
live-streamed and shared on the
VA's National Cemetery Administration's Facebook and Twitter pages. All VA national
cemeteries will be open throughout Memorial Day weekend, and families will be
allowed to place flags and personal remembrances at the graves of their family
members. Visit your state’s Veterans Affairs Department’s website for plans for
your particular area.
3. Fly a flag
On Memorial Day, flags are flown at half-staff until
noon. Raise your flag to full-staff in the morning and then slowly lower it to
half-staff. Flags remain at half-staff until noon when they are briskly raised
and flown until dusk. If your flag cannot be raised or lowered, tie a black
ribbon around the top of the staff, just below the ornament.
4. Donate to a military organization
One way to honor our fallen soldiers is to donate to
organizations that improve the lives of current soldiers and veterans. There
are many reputable organizations that provide a wide range of services. Make
sure to choose an organization that receives a high rating from such organizations
as the American Institute of Philanthropy, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance,
Charity Navigator, or Charity Watch.
5. Watch the National Memorial Day Concert
The concert is broadcast every year on the eve of
Memorial Day. This year, it will be broadcast on Sunday, May 29, from 8:30 to 10 p.m. CST and on May 30th at 12:30 p.m. on PBS. In addition to music, the event features documentary footage
and readings that honor all our people in uniform and their families.
6. Write a letter
Several organizations match writers with military
personnel pen pals. You can also write letters of gratitude to be included in
care packages sent to soldiers. Organize your family members or a group to
write letters of gratitude this Memorial Day. Make sure to choose a reputable
organization such as A Million Thanks or Operation Gratitude.
7. Spend time with family
Set aside the day to spend time with the family
members in your home and reflect upon what it means to you to live in America
today. If you have family members who have served, thank them for their service
and honor them. Though this is a solemn national holiday, it is absolutely a
day to enjoy the beautiful weather and the company of others, whether you do that
in person or virtually.
If your Memorial Day celebrations include a
traditional picnic, even on a small scale, make sure to include tasty treats
along with the healthy fare. Superberries Frozen Aroniaberries are delicious in
desserts as well as cool frozen treats such as homemade popsicles and sorbets.
