Originally, Memorial Day was called Decoration Day. No, not because of the decorating that's done for the Memorial Day Bar-B-Ques. Rather, Memorial Day was first enacted by local communities as a memorial to those who died while serving the Union in the Civil War. In 1967, Memorial Day became a federal holiday to remember those who died serving their country in the military.
While there continues to be many Memorial Day events focused on remembering those who were lost while serving the country, many people have come to simply view the holiday as an opportunity for a family picnic or Bar-B-Que event. With the on-going wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is no time better than the present to renew the original meaning of the holiday. That is not to say that we cannot both remember those lost while also celebrating the freedom that they have helped us to obtain and retain. In fact, it may be the best tribute to those who died serving their country to both recognize them and the cause for which they gave so dearly.
When planning an event for Memorial Day, whether it is a large corporate or organization activity or a small family gathering, organizers and participants should pursue a balance of remembrance and celebration. This is especially important to help today's youth appreciate the true meaning of the holiday. Regardless of the type of event you are planning for the holiday, there are ways to incorporate the spirit of remembrance and embrace the significance of this Memorial Day. Here's a few examples:
- Festivals & Flags: While many will attend local festivals and fairs for the holiday, why not start out the day taking your group to a National Cemetery or military cemetery to place small flags on gravesites. Since most military cemeteries observe this tradition, contact the cemetery in advance about volunteering to support their efforts. Another option is to visit other local cemeteries and place small flags on graves displaying headstones indicating that the deceased had served in the military. Military service is often included on headstones even at public and private cemeteries.
- Meals & Memorials: A lot of people will travel to friends and relatives homes for a Memorial Day Bar-B-Que. Why take your family on a slight detour on the way to the Bar-B-Que and stop by a local war memorial to pay your respects. Bring a flag or flowers (especially Poppies) to leave at the memorial. Families with small children might even create a poster or card using markers, colors and patriotic stickers to further engage them in understanding the spirit of the holiday. Consider contacting local military bases about hosting service men to join your group for the day.
- Picnics & Pictures: Whether it is a small or large picnic, invite people to bring pictures of family members, friends and loved ones who died serving their country whether it was recently or decades ago. Invite them to bring other articles as well, like loved one's medals, awards and even clothing to become part of the event's memorial display. Include note pads or cards for people to write personal messages of remembrance. Consider putting out a patriotic styled jar or decorate a container to collect donations for a local vetrans group.
- Luaus and Leis: Whether it is a Luau or a volleyball tournament, beaches are popular destinations for Memorial Day in coastal locations. Consider including an American Flag at your beach site and give participants real or silk flower Leis which they can then lay at the base of the flag pole as a memorial to the country's fallen heroes.
- Baseball & Caps: Sporting events are very popular Memorial Day activities. Why not gather your group together before the event to participate in a moment of silence to remember those who served their country and give them a customized patriotic cap or light up lapel pin with a Always Remember message. As a reminder, a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 PM local time on Memorial Day.
- Symphony & Scarfs: Some events may not lend themselves to flashing pins and baseball caps. Nonetheless, there are some subtle ways to show your patriotism even if you are attending a symphony or theatre performance. A patriotic silk scarf, a flag lapel pin or a God Bless Our Troopslapel pin could be great ways to show your patriotism at such events along with a stop afterward to a site flying the American Flag (like most government facilities have) for a moment of reflection. As a reminder, US flags are traditionally flown at half-staff from dawn to noon local time on Memorial Day!
Regardless of the way Memorial Day is celebrated find a way to remember those who gave their lives to protect our freedom!
