Remember “Memorial” in Memorial Day
Every year around Memorial Day my mother travels to the various cemeteries where we have family members buried to place flowers and flags on the graves of our loved ones. This has been a tradition for as long as I remember.
This past week my mother, Travis (my grandson) and I traveled over 500 miles visiting three cemeteries in various places in north central and eastern Pennsylvania. We traveled two separate days. Mom had a great time showing Travis the house she was born in and several other places where she lived in the past with my step father. It was exhausting, but it was also a time for great-grandmother to share her heritage with today’s generation.
Some people may think it morbid to visit cemeteries; but they are full of history as well as it is a place to show honor and respect to our loved ones gone on before. It is also a time to share memories of our loved ones with one another.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day that was originally set aside in May of 1868 to remember those who have died in our nation’s service during the Civil War. However, as our nation participated in other wars it became a time to honor all who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
We not only placed flowers and flags on those who served our country, but we also took the time to show honor as we place flowers on other family member’s graves.
Often we are so busy participating in picnics and other celebrations that we fail to remember the “Memorial” in Memorial Day. Below is list of ways you and family can honor those who given the ultimate sacrifice:
- Visit cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
- Visit memorials.
- Fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.
- Fly the ‘POW/MIA Flag’ as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).
- Participate in a “National Moment of Remembrance:” at 3 p.m. (Memorial Day) to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.
- Renew a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen soldiers, and to aid the disabled veterans.
- Thank a veteran or current military personnel for his/her valued service to their country.
Have a safe and honoring Memorial Day!
My husband and I actually were visiting loved ones graves yesterday…freshening the flowers…remembering…thanking God for wonderful family legacies…
May we always remember with thankfulness, all the unsung heroes that made it possible to have the freedoms we share….
Amen and a Happy Memorial Day to you all there, God bless you and God bless America, Hugs,
Amen.
What a wonderful tradition your mom showed your grandson. Maybe when he is grown up he will continue that tradition because he was shown at such a young age.
Thank you for the reminder of the true meaning of the holiday.