This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day. To many people, this weekend marks the “unofficial start of summer” and an extra day off work; however, the real meaning of Memorial Day is to remember those service members who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom and this country. Here are a few things you can incorporate into your weekend celebrations in order to honor the true meaning of the day:

1. Honor Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Whether you have a personal connection to this or are simply a grateful, patriotic American, take a moment to remember the service members who gave their lives to protect your own.
   • Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00pm local time on Memorial Day. (Click here for more information)
   • Include a “We Remember” section at your Memorial Day gathering. The following is a simple and beautiful example:
     

     Photo Credit: Style Me Pretty

2. Be Sensitive to the Meaning of the Day. Often times you will hear service members say they feel uncomfortable when people thank them for their service – This is especially true on Memorial Day. While it is always a kind gesture to thank a veteran or active duty service member, many service members feel Memorial Day should focus solely on their brothers and sisters who lost their lives defending our country. **Please do not get me wrong – Thank service members for all they do, just be mindful of what Memorial Day represents to them.**
3. Visit Your Local Veterans Cemetery. While many families keep their service member’s grave well maintained, there are several veterans that have no one to do so. Veterans groups often take on this responsibility, but a great way to show your appreciation is to assist with a cleanup or simply place a flag or flowers at the grave of fallen service members.
4. Watch the National Memorial Day Concert.
5. Fly the American Flag. 🇺🇸 The American flag is flown at half staff until noon on Memorial Day to honor the fallen then “at noon, their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all” (Memorial Day Observance).
6. If you are comfortable doing so publicly, share a photo/post a memorial message honoring a fallen service member. Memorial Day is meant to remember his/her sacrifice and celebrate his/her life and service to our country.

To the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, we are forever indebted. 🇺🇸