Memorial Day is a time to honor those who have given their lives to preserve the lives and freedom of many. It is a time for reflection and celebrating the sacrifices made and the memory of military members who have passed on. This Memorial Day, why not show your appreciation for the service and sacrifice of those who have fallen by considering the ways to honor them listed below.
1. Visit Your Local Veterans Cemetery
There are many states with veteran cemeteries where you may visit the resting place of soldiers. Reflect on their sacrifices as you make your journey through the cemetery and take a moment of reflection to honor their sacrifice.1
2. Participate in a Memorial Day Event
Many areas host various Memorial Day events such as walks or 5ks, often with entry fees and sponsorships raising funds for military causes. Sign up for the event itself or consider sponsoring someone already participating.1
3. Watch or Attend a Memorial Day Parade
Parades are one of the most popular ways to celebrate Memorial Day. Find out if any parades are being held in your local area, and if not, consider tuning in to the National Memorial Day Parade on television.2
4. Learn More About Military Families
Find out more about the families of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty, often referred to as "Gold Star Families." They receive the title in honor of their loved one's ultimate sacrifice for freedom. If you know a family, spend some time with them to learn more about their loved one and what their service meant to the country.1
5. Pay a Visit to the War Memorial in D.C.
The memorial is definitely worth the drive if you are close to the D.C. area. If not, there is now a virtual option that allows you to see 360-degree videos of the various war memorials throughout the D.C. area.
6. Fly Your American Flag
Sometimes there is no better way to honor those who have served this country than showing that their sacrifices were not in vain. Hang your flag half-mast until noon, and then raise it to the top of the pole for the rest of the day.2
7. Sport a Red Poppy
Red poppies stem from a WWI poem that told the tale of a military surgeon who saw bright red poppies growing on the battlefield that had just been the scene of a major skirmish. The red poppies on the field have come to represent those fallen in battle, and wearing one or displaying one in your yard is a tradition to honor them.2
8. Donate to a Military Family Charity
Show support for the families left behind by donating to a cause dedicated to helping the families of fallen soldiers.2
Footnotes:
110 Ways to Honor the Fallen Outdoors and at Home on Memorial Day 2021, USO, https://www.uso.org/stories/2722-10-socially-distanced-ways-to-honor-the-fallen-on-memorial-day-weekend-2020
210 Ways to Honor Our Fallen Heroes This Memorial Day, Inspire Kindness, https://inspirekindness.com/blog/honor-heroes-memorial-day
Sources
https://www.uso.org/stories/2722-10-socially-distanced-ways-to-honor-the-fallen-on-memorial-day-weekend-2020
https://inspirekindness.com/blog/honor-heroes-memorial-day
Important Disclosures
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
This article was prepared by WriterAccess.
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