#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: service
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
Celebrate Earth Day Every Day Through Service
Earth Day is coming up on April 22, and thousands of events worldwide are scheduled to celebrate and protect the only planet we have. While progress has been made since the first Earth Day in 1970, the grassroots effort is ongoing.
This year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” stressing the fact that the need to protect the land, air and water transcends election cycles or political affiliations. It is “a responsibility and a long-term investment” for everyone, says EarthDay.org.
The environment has a powerful impact on human health, economic security and quality of life; protecting it is a matter of survival. Individual, local and community actions often have a payoff that extends to real change.
What can you do? You can attend one of the more than 9,000 Earth Day events worldwide to learn more about environmental protection, join a community cleanup or plant a tree. You can organize an event, teach-in or trash pickup. You can host an Earth Day movie night.
If you can’t observe Earth Day in person, there are plenty of ways to spread the word about environmental protection and climate resiliency. You can share climate facts on social media, contact your representative to support Earth-friendly legislation or shop a farmers market.
You can hold a #clothing swap to reduce the waste of fast fashion. Or you can #donate a few of your unused #garments and other household items to ClothingDonations.org by arranging a #free #donation pickup. People can reuse the goods and keep them landfills.
Or you can simply visit a park or go for a hike to remind yourself that there is only one Earth, and it’s up to everyone to protect it. Remember to leave no trace of your visit — or better still, pick up any litter you see.
While we celebrate Earth Day every April, protecting the planet is an ongoing process built upon awareness-building and millions of individual acts of service. Get started and get involved to lend your efforts.