#Memorial Day is often seen as an excuse for a #cookout, but it is an occasion to #honor those who died in active military service. To honor the legacy of a loved one who died in service, intentionally remember that person by browsing old photographs, reading a letter they wrote or sharing their story, says Modern Heirloom Books. “If they are buried in a military cemetery, consider visiting their grave to leave flowers or a flag. You might also take a moment of silence or raise a toast in their honor during a family gathering. Small acts of #remembrance help keep their legacy alive.” #MemorialDay
Tag: remembrance
Remembrance, Rest and Relaxation
While #Memorial Day is intended to #honor the deceased, the living often take advantage of the unofficial first day of summer/day off by having a backyard #cookout with family and friends. Visit a cemetery to lay a wreath on the grave of your favorite #veteran or attend a memorial observance. Then, fly the flag at half-mast as you and yours indulge in all-American classics such as burgers, hot dogs and potato salad, suggests Taste of Home — and be sure to include a festive red-white-and-blue dish such involving mixed berries, cupcakes or Jell-O. #MemorialDay
Memorial Day and the Origin of Taps
You might hear the somber notes of #Taps played at a #Memorial Day observance in the next week. The two are connected, according to the Memorial Day Foundation: Memorial Day grew out of the Civil War, which took as many as 600,000 American lives; Taps was first played by Pvt. Oliver Willcox Norton, brigade bugler for the Army of the Potomac, in July 1862 after Brig. Gen. Daniel Butterfield — unhappy with the sound of his nightly “lights out” bugle alert — asked him to replay a tune he whistled. The melancholy yet peaceful Taps eventually became the official soundtrack to military burials and #remembrances. #MemorialDay
Memorial Day Is a Testament to Service
Memorial Day — celebrated this year on Monday, May 25 — is a holiday dedicated to #honoring U.S. military personnel who died in service. Observe it with a moment of silence during the National Moment of #Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time, a visit to a local #memorial or cemetery, or by learning about the fallen at the National Archives. You may wish to #donate to a military or veteran service organization such as the Vietnam Veterans of America directly or through ClothingDonations.org. But don’t wish people a “Happy” Memorial Day since it is meant to be a solemn occasion. #MemorialDay
Observing Proper Memorial Day Flag Etiquette
On #Memorial Day, American #flags should be raised “to full staff briskly, then lowered to a half-staff position, where they will remain until noon,” according to the Farmer’s Almanac. If you wish to volunteer to place small flags or wreaths on the #graves of those who served, contact the local chapters of #veterans organizations such as Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion or Daughters of the American Revolution. “The ritual of visiting family graves and memorials was never a morbid tradition,” the almanac says. “Rather, it was an annual act of #remembrance, as well as a chance to clean and decorate family memorials.”