As Americans prepare for Memorial Day activities our mood continues to get lighter by the day. With an extended weekend on the horizon, those of us with busy schedules will have a chance to relax and enjoy the festivities with family and friends. As we go into Memorial Day, let’s take the full opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of the day itself. It’s not just a day for hotdogs, parades and fireworks, but also a day to consider how we became the leaders of the free world. A day to reflect on the men and women who gave their life fighting for the freedom of all Americans, many unknown and countless others yet to be known.
As a way to ensure that the true meaning of Memorial Day lives on, here are some rituals and remembrances that you may want to participate in:
- Visit a cemetery and place flowers or flags on the graves of service members.
- Fly the American flag at half-mast.
- Observe the National Moment of Remembrance. The moment occurs on Memorial Day, 3 PM, local time, for 1 minute. As Carmella LaSpada, founder of the National Moment of Remembrance said, “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day”.
- Thank a veteran for their service and allow them to recount their war stories or thoughts on their lives.
- Visit war memorials in your area.
- Local parades are a great way to gather with others in the community who enjoy celebrating in Memorial Day activities.
- Donate to families of veterans in need.
- Donate your time to elder veterans who may be in need of a little extra help around the house.
Celebrating Memorial Day with friends and family members is a great way to spend the extended weekend. Don’t forget to try to include loved ones who may not be as active or are in need of extra care. Including these loved ones is an important part of family togetherness and will give them a chance to remember and reflect on the past as well.
We’d also like to say a special thank you to our men and women veterans who are currently being cared for by Hospice Care of South Carolina. We are honored to be able to serve you and in some small way return the favor for serving your country and ensuring that freedom is at the cornerstone of American life. Thank you for all that you have done and may we never forget the sacrifices made.
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