Celebrating Memorial Day

Memorial day was first declared a Holiday in 1968 to commemorate those who had died in the service of our country. Traditionally wreaths were laid on the graves of our fallen soldiers and parades were held honoring them. As time past, many people used this holiday to remember, all their loved ones who were no longer with us. Sadly, today for many people, Memorial day is little more than a long weekend from work, the official start of summer.

For those of you wishing to recapture the true meaning of this holiday, here are some simple suggestions on how you can accomplish that.

1. Write to a solider. There are many sites on the Internet that allows you to write to a solider, who many not have family back home. Just type write to a solider in your search box and choose an option. Share with the solider what this country means to you, and how important his service is. Thank him for all he and his comrades are doing to protect you, your family and your way of life. By honoring one living solider, you are honoring all that have served before him, and all those who will follow him. It is sure to bring meaning back into Memorial day for you and your family.
2. Visit a Veteran: Take the time to visit a veteran. If you live close to a VA hospital you might want to stop in there and visit. Or attended the Memorial parade and clap loud and long when the marching veterans pass. Let them know you appreciate them, by your enthusiasm.
3. Make a Memorial Wreath: A simple decorated wreath, with the names or pictures of family and friends that you wish to remember, serves an an excellent decoration and reminder of what this holiday is all about. Take the time to recall how each person made your life a little richer or fuller. You can even include pets that have added to your life and you wish to remember.
4. Pause a Moment to Reflect. Take a moment as an individual or a family to stop in silence and reflect on the sacrifices every generation has made to keep this country free, so we can live the lives we each live.

Let’s all take the time to remember, not only those who died in our service, but those whose love and guidance helped us to become the people we are today.