Memorial Day, which was first established more than 150 years ago, is a day that is designed to honor the fallen soldiers who died defending our freedoms.
When you think about Memorial Day, what are some of the first things that come to mind? Chances are, you just pictured backyard BBQs and fireworks in your head.
These things are closely connected to Memorial Day celebrations. But they don’t represent the true meaning of Memorial Day.
With this in mind, you should find ways to go about honoring the fallen soldiers from this country every Memorial Day. There are quite a few ways in which you can honor the fallen soldiers to mark the occasion.
Check out some of the different things you can do in honor of the fallen U.S. soldiers who paid the ultimate price to make this country what it is today.
Visit a Local Veterans Cemetery
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration, there are more than 150 national cemeteries scattered throughout the country. They’re filled with many people who gave their lives for this country.
If you have a veterans cemetery in your area, you should try to take a trip down to it on Memorial Day to honor the fallen soldiers buried in it. You might even want to go as far as to bring some small flags along so that you can leave them on people’s graves.
Sit and Watch the Entire National Memorial Day Parade
Every year, there are Memorial Day parades that take place all throughout the country. But none of them are quite as large as the National Memorial Day Parade that happens in Washington, D.C.
If you’re ever able to attend this Memorial Day parade in person, you should definitely set out to do it. It will be a memorable event that you won’t soon forget.
But even if you aren’t able to go to this Memorial Day parade in person, you can always settle for watching it on TV. You should get into the habit of doing it at the start of every Memorial Day.
Make a Donation to an Organization That Helps Veterans
There are so many great organizations all throughout the country that specialize in helping veterans. If you have the financial means to do it, you should attempt to mark every Memorial Day by making a donation to one or more of these organizations.
Many veterans need some help getting on their feet and/or getting access to good medical care in the years following their service to this country. You can lend a hand to them and show your appreciation for the sacrifices that they made by making donations to organizations that will help them out.
Take Part in a Memorial Day 5K Run or Walk
If you enjoy running or walking, there are sure to be at least a few Memorial Day 5K runs or walks happening in your area every Memorial Day Weekend. If you can muster up the strength to participate in one in-between barbecues, you should try to do it.
Most of these Memorial Day 5Ks will make donations directly to organizations that benefit veterans and their families. So by simply taking part in one of these 5Ks, you could be doing a great deed for them.
Learn About Some of the Most Famous U.S. Military Minds
When is the last time that you sat down and read an article or, better yet, a book about a famous U.S. military leader? If it’s been a while now, you should think about doing it to mark each Memorial Day.
There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of military members who have either shared their stories or been profiled by others over the years. You’ll gain a whole new level of respect for them when you take the time to learn more about their backstories.
Who knows? You might even get so interested in finding out about new military members that you’ll spend all year long reading about them. It’ll make Memorial Day and the other holidays that are dedicated to U.S. soldiers that much more special.
Ask Questions to a Special Veteran in Your Life
If you have someone in your immediate circle who served this country in any capacity, you should thank them on Memorial Day for doing it. You should also ask them if they would be willing to speak with you about their time in the military.
Not everyone is going to honor your request. Some people don’t feel comfortable sitting and sharing their military stories, especially if they served in a war.
But if you’re lucky enough to have a family member, friend, neighbor, coworker, etc. who will speak with you, you should soak it all in. You’ll be able to get a new perspective on what it’s like to serve in the military.
You should then thank them for their service and consider giving them one of these commemorative coins. There is almost no better way to show your appreciation for them and their actions.
Make Sure You Always Honor the Fallen Soldiers on Memorial Day
It’s very easy to lose sight of the real meaning of Memorial Day. Some people get so caught up celebrating the unofficial start of summer that they forget to honor the fallen soldiers who served our great nation.
You should make it your mission not to make this mistake when Memorial Day comes around. Instead, you should take one or more of the steps listed here to honor the heroes who have made this such a wonderful country to live in.
Read more military-themed articles by poking around on the rest of our blog.
