Memorial Day is more than just cook-outs and American flags.
Memorial Day is a day when Americans remember those who have served and sacrificed their lives for the United States and its allies. Dedicated as an official holiday in 1966 by Lynden Johnson, Memorial Day was celebrated as far back as the Civil War era when groups of women would decorate the graves of soldiers. There are plenty of meaningful ways to celebrate Memorial Day, whether you know someone in the service or just want to honor those who protect the country. Does this Spark an idea?
Visit a Veteran
If you really want to do something meaningful on Memorial Day, make a direct impact on those who served in past wars by visiting a VA (Veteran's Administration) hospital or nursing facility that is home to disabled and elderly veterans. Many facilities will host a celebration on Memorial Day to honor their residents, so check with your local facilities to see if you can take part in the celebration or just make a visit to thank veterans for their service -- they will be grateful for your time and conversation.
Memorial Day Parade
Memorial Day parades are held all over the country to honor those who have and do serve. You can simply attend a parade as a spectator to cheer on the veterans who are walking in the parade, or do a greater service by volunteering. Parades look for volunteers to organize the parade, participate in the actual parade event as well as clean up and control spectators. However big or small your contribution, it is truly the thought that counts.
Gravesite Rememberance
Each Memorial Day, cemeteries around the United States honor their deceased veterans by marking their graves with American flags or other patriotic symbols. Most of these cemeteries seek out volunteers to mark the graves, particularly large cemeteries that have hundreds or thousands of grave sites to mark. Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. is one of the most remarkable places to view the marking of every one of the cemetery's more than 200,000 grave sites. Although volunteers are not allowed to participate in the marking (the marking is done by the Army's 3rd U.S. Infantry), it is quite a moving sight to see all of the flags perfectly placed on so many grave sites.
For Veterans Overseas
Remember current service members, particularly those overseas, by sending a care package. Send a care package to someone you know or you can donate money or commonly requested items to one of the many national networks of services that send care packages to service members. Care packages include basic necessities like toiletries, snacks and clothing, but they can also include homemade cards and art projects made by children, letters of appreciation and ways to help them pass the time like magazines, DVDs and books.
Tags: grave sites, American flags, care package, honor their, honor those, more than