Memorial Weekend is the unofficial start to summer, with pools starting to open and grills firing up, not to mention the gathering of friends to have fun.
Even though we’re still in the middle of the COVID-19 health pandemic, the phases to reopening and re-socializing have started ramping up giving all the more reasons to have a cheers with your closest friends.
However, do you know what Memorial Day (and the whole holiday weekend) is really about?
Today, we honor ALL of our FALLEN HEROES.
The fallen heroes, not the veterans. Veterans have their own day of honor . . . Veterans Day.
Memorial Day is about honoring and remembering the fallen members of the Armed Forces who died in service.
Do you typically do anything to commemorate Memorial Day?
Of course, most plans may have a bit of a shift due to the current state of things with the health pandemic . . . but top ways to honor those who lost their lives are to fly the American flag, leaving a flag or flowers at a soldier’s grave, attending a patriotic event (though most events are taking on a different protocol this year), flying a flag at half-mast, even visiting a monument or war memorial (but call ahead or look online for info to see if you’re able to visit.
Some additional ways to honor our Fallen Heroes while adhering to the pandemic restrictions are:
To get artistic – Give your kids some sidewalk chalks and have them create some patriotic drawings, or write “thank you” messages to our Fallen Heroes that their loved ones who live in your neighborhood might have the opportunity to see.
Donate flowers to a Fallen Hero – Reach out to your local cemetery to see if they are accepting Memorial Day donations, or donate to Memorial Day Flowers (an organization that coordinates placing flowers for interred heroes).
Check out the TV specials – The “National Memorial Day Parade: America Stands Tall” special will air on the major TV networks this afternoon at 1 PM Central.
Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance – At 3:00 PM local time (whatever timezone you are in), pause whatever you’re doing and take a moment of silence for those who have died serving in the military . . . and take a minute to send love, prayers, and thoughts.
Today we acknowledge that while all gave some, some gave all.
Today we remember our Fallen Heroes.
Today is Memorial Day.
(NY Post / PR Web / The Mercury News)
