Memorial Day: Paying Tribute to Our Brave Military Heroes

Celebrate Memorial Day by paying tribute to our brave military heroes. We share five meaningful ways to honor the day while remembering and respecting those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. (Hint: Cranking up the grill is not one of them!)

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Memorial Day is a special day of remembrance for all those who have given their lives in service to our country. It’s a time for us to come together as a community and show our appreciation for their sacrifice.

A key to remember is that this holiday is about the fallen soldiers. So if you go around saying “Thank you for your service” to current or past military members, you may get serious side-eye.

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Educate yourself and others about the history and significance of Memorial Day

Take the time to learn about the history and significance of Memorial Day.

One way to do this is by exploring the stories of fallen heroes and their contributions to our nation’s history.

You can read books, watch documentaries, or visit memorials and cemeteries to pay your respects.

Books to Read for Memorial Day

Many of these titles can be enjoyed by the whole family. A few are good for teens and adults.

• “The Wall” by Eve Bunting: A touching story about a young boy visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall with his father and discovering the power of honoring and remembering fallen soldiers.
• “Hero Mom” by Melinda Hardin: This picture book celebrates the bravery of military mothers who serve their country while also being heroes to their children.
• “The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans” by Barbara Walsh: This inspiring true story follows Moina Belle Michael, who initiated the tradition of wearing poppies to honor fallen soldiers after World War I.
• “H is for Honor: A Military Family Alphabet” by Devin Scillian: This engaging alphabet book explores various aspects of military life, paying tribute to the heroes and sacrifices of military families.
• “The Red Badge of Courage” by Stephen Crane: A classic novel that follows the journey of a young soldier during the American Civil War, exploring themes of courage, fear, and the realities of war.
• “Johnny Tremain” by Esther Forbes: Set during the Revolutionary War, this historical novel follows the life of Johnny Tremain, a young silversmith who becomes involved in the fight for independence.
• “The Unknown Soldier” by Linda Granfield: This informative book explores the history and significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, providing a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by unknown soldiers and the memorial dedicated to them.
• “America’s White Table” by Margot Theis Raven: Through the eyes of a young girl, this book explores the tradition of setting a white table to honor fallen soldiers and explains the symbolism behind each item on the table.

It’s important to share your knowledge with others, especially younger generations, to help them understand the importance of this solemn holiday and the sacrifices made by military members.

By doing so, you can help keep the memory of our fallen heroes alive and ensure that their legacy lives on.

Attend a Memorial Day ceremony or parade in your community

While not all communities host a Memorial Day ceremony or parade, if there is one you can attend it may help you focus on the day.

These events may be filled with heartfelt speeches, moving musical performances, and touching tributes to those who have served and fallen.

By participating in these events, we not only honor the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, but we also demonstrate our support for their families and loved ones.

It’s a chance for us to come together as a community, to reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave service members, and to express our gratitude and appreciation for all that they have done for us.

Visit a military cemetery and place flags or flowers on the gravesites of fallen soldiers

Take a trip to a military cemetery and honor the memory of fallen soldiers by placing flags or flowers on their gravesites.

This act of remembrance symbolizes gratitude and respect for their service and sacrifice.

It’s a solemn yet powerful gesture that allows us to acknowledge and honor their contributions to our nation’s freedom.

Reflecting on Past Flag Placements

When we lived in Alaska, a group of volunteers always did a flag placement over Memorial Day weekend. At times, the boys participated in placing flags on the gravesites at the National Cemetery on the Fort Richardson side of JBER.

First, the Boy Scout Troop they joined that day took a hike across part of the base.

The younger boys and I did not join them on their hike.

Instead, we went to a park on base to pass the time before meeting the Troop at the entryway to the cemetery.

Once they did arrive, we had a tailgate-style BBQ before setting to work.

The day was absolutely gorgeous and with several other volunteers in attendance, the task at hand was completed in just over an hour.

Some of the boys took turns using the post-hole digger to prep the ground while the others placed the flags.

With spirits still high, the older Scouts elected to hike back to the starting point.

Along the way, they picked up a bunch of trash which made the trip a little longer than expected.

Participate in a moment of silence at 3:00 PM local time, the National Moment of Remembrance

At 3:00 PM on Memorial Day, join millions of Americans in observing a moment of silence to honor and remember those who have fallen.

It’s a time to reflect on the lives lost and the profound impact their service has had on our nation.

Use this moment to offer a personal prayer or reflection, expressing your gratitude for their selfless dedication.

If you are afraid you may forget, set an alarm on your phone to remind you.

Engage in acts of community service to honor the sacrifices made by military members

Take some time out of our busy lives to participate in activities that honor their memory and show our appreciation for their service.

One way to do this is by engaging in acts of community service.

There are various ways to honor the fallen on Memorial Day, and volunteering in the community is a great way to do so.

Connect with your local community organizations and find out about volunteer opportunities.

You could help organize a fundraising event for a veterans’ organization or participate in a community clean-up.

By volunteering, you not only contribute to the well-being of your community, but you also honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.

What are some ways you remember and honor those who gave their lives to protect our freedom?

This post was originally published on August 7, 2011 as a photo post. It has since been updated.