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On the last Monday in May, Americans celebrate Memorial Day. Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to those that have died in the service of their country. It is a day when U.S. citizens can show their patriotism, gathering together to remember those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. This guide will provide tips on how to observe Memorial Day.
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On the last Monday in May, Americans celebrate Memorial Day. Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to those that have died in the service of their country. It is a day when U.S. citizens can show their patriotism, gathering together to remember those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. This guide will provide tips on how to observe Memorial Day.
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Introduction
- Have you had friends or family members that have died in the service of their country, U.S. soldiers that have fallen while fighting for America, displaying both honor and courage? If so, then you realize the pain and suffering left in their wake, no matter how patriotic their actions. On the last Monday in May, Americans celebrate Memorial Day, a time to pay tribute to these fallen comrades, observing their sacrifice and offering condolences to their family and friends left behind. This guide will provide you with information on how to observe Memorial Day.
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Step 1: What is Memorial Day?
- Memorial Day is an American holiday that is currently celebrated on the Last Monday in May. It is a day intended to honor those soldiers that have died in the service of their country. Over the years the focus has shifted towards picnics and barbecues, a time to gather with friends and family and enjoy a day off from work. However, it is important not to forget what the day truly represents: a reminder of the lives sacrificed throughout the course of American history so that the country can continue to thrive and prosper as a symbol of freedom and strength.
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Step 2: Visit a Cemetery
- Visiting a cemetery is a popular way to honor soldiers that have given their lives in military service. You can travel to one of the country's numerous national cemeteries, such as Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C., or you can visit one in your hometown. Some cemeteries have entire sections devoted to those soldiers that have given their lives in service. Others may require you to walk around on your own looking at the various tombstone inscriptions. Most grave markers identify the deceased as a war veteran in some way, either by the tombstones shape, a symbol placed on the marker or from the inscription. You can honor the fallen soldiers by:
- Placing flowers on their graves
- Sticking tiny U.S. flags next to their graves
- Sitting or stopping near their graves, taking a moment to reflect in silence. Families and friends of those that have died often gather together and honor their family member in some private way.
- If you do not know someone that has died in military service, you can always honor a soldier's grave that appears to have been neglected over the years. As you walk through the cemetery, keep in mind that you are in a sacred place. Make sure you honor any cemetery rules that are posted.
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Step 3: Attend a Memorial Day Observance
- Every Memorial Day there are observances held throughout the country. Some of these are nationally recognized and held at the same time and place each year, while others are more of a local fare and constantly changing. Types of observances include:
- Memorial Day parades. Parades are a great way for smaller towns and communities to get everyone involved in paying tribute to local soldiers, but are also a popular means of getting people involved on a national level as well. In 2005, the National Memorial Day Parade was resurrected in Washington D.C., and now attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year. The parade features everything from marching bands to hundreds of war veterans that fought in the Vietnam War, Korean War, World War II, Gulf War, the War in Iraq and others.
- Cemetery Observances. Not only can you visit cemeteries on your own time, placing flowers or flags on or near soldier's graves, but you can also attend a Memorial Day observance at many of them.
- Flag raising ceremonies
- Memorial Day services. These include those held in smaller towns and communities where everyone gathers to specifically honor their local fallen heroes.
- You can find out about specific observances being held in your city or town by:
- Searching listings in your local paper
- Contacting your city hall or chamber of commerce
- Finding listings online
- Contacting the closest military base or American Legion
- Word of mouth. Ask around. Maybe your friends, family or coworkers know of an observance in your area.
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Step 4: Other Ways to Honor Fallen Soldiers
- Visiting cemeteries and attending local or national observances are not the only ways to honor those that have fought and died for American freedom. Every Memorial Day at 3:00 p.m. EST. you can honor the 'National Moment of Remembrance.' It is designated as a moment of silence, where you can take one minute to pay tribute to those that have died, reflecting on the true meaning of the day. It is also the perfect moment to play Taps. Other ways to honor these men and women include:
- Visiting a memorial
- Visiting the families of those that have died in service. You can offer them your condolences, and verbal appreciation for the sacrifice their loved one made.
- Taking flowers or cookies to local veteran's hospitals. You can bring them flowers and cookies and just sit and talk with them, thanking them for all they sacrificed for their country.
- Flying the American flag at half-staff until 12:00 p.m. EST.
- Help with efforts to restore Memorial Day back to its original celebration day on May 30.
- Volunteer or make a donation to veteran's groups like Disabled American Veterans, The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors or the Vietnam Veterans of America. Donations are tax deductible.
- You can also honor fallen soldiers by going to websites that honor these soldiers. You can also visit war memorial websites.
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Conclusion
- Memorial Day is a time to honor and pay tribute to those throughout history that have sacrificed their lives for American freedom. While it is important to celebrate with friends and family, catching up over beer and BBQ, it is also important to observe those who have fought to make such celebrations possible.
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