Memorial Day, as Decoration Day gradually came to be known, originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. But during World War I the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date General Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day. But in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. The change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday. Memorial Day traditions and remembrance remain an integral part of this solemn observance.
Keeping the Memory Alive: Memorial Day Traditions and Remembrance
How do we honor the true meaning of Memorial Day? By acknowledging that real people, with hopes, dreams, and lives, fought and died for our freedoms. The picnics and parades are a wonderful way to celebrate those hard-won freedoms, but there must be a moment when the celebratory mood turns solemn, and we remember what’s been lost. The National Moment of Remembrance resolution, passed in 2000, is meant to promote exactly that: At 3 p.m. local time, all Americans are called to voluntarily observe a moment of remembrance, either taking a moment of silence or listening to Taps.
Beyond this token moment of respect, what can you do this Memorial Day to truly remember?
Ask a Veteran About Friends Who Were Lost
Do you know someone who has survived combat? Talk to that person about their experience and the people who didn’t make it out alive. Ask questions sparingly, taking time to truly listen to the story and understand the experience.
Insert a Tradition of Remembrance into Your Family’s Holiday
Maybe it’s a moment of silence, singing the national anthem, or talking about soldiers and their sacrifices. Find something that will be meaningful for your family and work it into your Memorial Day traditions.
Visit a Cemetery that Honors Veterans
A cemetery where veterans receive honor and recognition is a good place for reflection, and the monuments can be a powerful reminder of the overwhelming sacrifices that have been made. If your loved one’s final resting place is at a cemetery, decorate his or her space. If not, you might choose to bring flags or flowers to decorate the graves of those whose families haven’t done so.
Wear a Poppy
Since just after World War I, poppies have been worn to symbolically honor those who died in service to our country. Sometimes, you can find crepe paper poppies sold by veterans’ charities, in order to raise money. If you can’t, creating these paper poppies at home with your children can be a great way to remind them what Memorial Day is all about.
Support Military Families
Military families endure great hardship in support of our nation, so the least we can do is give back some of that support. If you know a family whose loved one is deployed, invite them to join your Memorial Day celebration. If you know someone who has lost a loved one in combat, provide a listening ear. Do you live in a community with military families? Show your support in a tangible way, by offering to babysit or inviting them to dinner. If you don’t have the opportunity to personally help military families, do so by donating to charities that offer support.
Brush Up on Your Memorial Day Knowledge
Many people easily confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day or other military holidays. Take a few minutes to research the differences so you are better informed. Participate in a Memorial Day Walk or Running Race.
Participate in a Memorial Day Run/Walk
There are many annual Memorial Day weekend running races – virtual or in-person – and you can participate in one of these races in your local community as a way to honor the fallen. From 5Ks to half marathons, there are plenty of options available through run-hosting organizations across the country – all it takes to find them is a quick internet search!
Learn About Gold Star Families
The designation “Gold Star Family” is reserved for families of military members who have died in the line of duty. This title is meant to honor the service member’s ultimate sacrifice while acknowledging their family’s loss, grief, and continued healing. Spend a few moments this weekend learning about Gold Star Families in honor of Memorial Day
Investigate Your Family’s Military History
When is the last time you asked family members about their connection to the U.S. military? Their answers might surprise you! Spend a few moments this weekend talking to relatives about family members that have served in the military. Do you or a family member have a World War II story?
Watch the National Memorial Day Parade
While this annual tradition will be closed to the public in-person, it will be filmed and aired on television for families all across the nation to enjoy on major broadcast networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. Check your TV listings to find the airtime of the program near you.
Virtually Visit a War Memorial in D.C.
In 2019, the USO headed out throughout the capital region and captured 360-degree videos of several D.C.-area war memorials, including the World War II Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial.
Learn about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Arguably Arlington National Cemetery’s most iconic memorial, the white stone sarcophagus (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) is guarded 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and honors the unidentified soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Watch a Movie About the U.S. Military
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of movies about life in the U.S. military. From movies about World War II to memoirs of Vietnam, spend some time on Memorial Day weekend watching a film that pays tribute to the servicemen and women who have sacrificed for the nation.
Every day, America’s service members selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. Please take a moment to let our troops and their families know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.
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