How To Observe Memorial Day

"This weekend I am going to do something different. I am going to buy some carnations each day and go to one of the nearby cemeteries and walk through the sections for soldiers.”

“When I find a grave that has no flowers, I'll leave one and say a prayer for the family of that person, who for some reason could not bring their soldier flowers. I will pray for our country and all who serve or have served and for their families, who also serve by losing precious days, weeks and months spent with their loved ones.”

“I'll pray for the families who paid the ultimate price, who's loved ones died, or were taken captive and never returned. I'll pray for anyone who may still be held in captivity and thinks perhaps they are forgotten. I do NOT forget."

Sylvia Mohr

I’m not saying you shouldn't enjoy a good barbecue with family and friends, but make sure to leave some time to remember the "memorial" in Memorial Day and honor our nation's fallen heroes:

Visit a cemetery and place flags or flowers on the graves of soldiers, especially those whose final resting place appears neglected and forgotten. Many use Memorial Day as a reason to visit the graves of ancestors who didn't serve in the military as well.

Visit one of the country's many military memorials, from one of the national memorials in Washington D.C., to your small hometown veteran's memorial.

Fly the U.S. flag

Attend a parade or other Memorial Day observance near you. Check your local paper, or call the closest military base, American Legion, or Veterans of Foreign Wars post to find out what local observance's are planned.

Say thank you to those who served and lived to tell their story by taking some flowers or cookies to a nearby veterans' hospital.

Make a pledge to volunteer with or make a tax-deductible donation to a Veteran's group such as Disabled American Veterans or Vietnam Veterans of America, or The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a non-profit organization that provides grief counseling and outreach services to families, friends and military service members who have been affected by a death in the armed services.

Have a lovely holiday weekend.