Most cultures have some type of holiday that honors those who have died while serving in their country’s armed forces. The last Monday in May is Memorial Day, here in America. What does Memorial Day mean to you?
Since the time of the American Civil Wars in 1868, Memorial Day was long known as Decoration Day for the practice of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags. Federal law declared “Memorial Day” the official name in 1967. Just in case you are confused about the differences, Memorial Day remembers the dead, whereas Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.
Personally, I don’t have any connections in my family of people serving or dying in military service. I am incredibly grateful for those who do join the armed forces and are prepared to die or have died fighting to defend freedom and democracy.
What does Memorial Day mean to you?
Whether you have family members or friends who have died while serving, take the day to remember the dead and be grateful for those who act on our behalf whether or not we believe in the conflict.
How can you personalize Memorial Day?
Even though I will be spending Memorial Day with my 83-year old father and dear friends fishing on their boat, I have been wondering how I can include the spirit of remembrance.
Here are some options and I would love to hear some of your ideas as well.
- Light a candle and honor someone you know who lived doing good deeds.
- Remember 3 things for which you are grateful.
- Volunteer at a veteran’s home.
- Put out an American flag.
- Give money, time or clothing to a veteran’s charity.
- Thank a veteran.
- Reach out to a grieving family or friend.
- Intentionally take a few minutes of silence and honor the fallen.
Which of the above ideas might you include for Memorial Day to make the day more meaningful?
Regarding the list of suggestiongs for marking Memorial day, most veterans will tell you that being thanked is exactly what they DO NOT want on Memorial Day. Veterans know that there is a day in November set aside to honor and acknowledge all veterans for their service, whether or not they served in combat. But veterans are very aware that Memorial Day is exclusively reserved for remembering only those service men and women who gave their lives in the service of their country. According to the veterans I know, on Memorial Day they want all the focus to be on those killed in action, which often includes friends and family. And according to the Gold Star families I have spoken with, they want most for their loved ones to be remembered and for their sacrifice to be acknowledged and respected. I recommend visiting a national cemetary. There are two in Suffolk County. That is where the real cost of war becomes most clear.
Catherine,
Thanks so much for your valuable input and further distinctions between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day.