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Tiffany Mccollum

"10 Meaningful Ways to Honor Veterans on Memorial Day"

Memorial Day is observed each year on the last Monday of May, which is May 27 in 2024. Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

It means a lot to military families that others honor the loss of their service member. Saying kind words costs you nothing and shows respect for their loved one’s ultimate sacrifice. Here is "10 Meaningful Ways to Honor Veterans on Memorial Day":


1. Display the flag.

Fly the U.S. flag on Memorial Day. The flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset.


2. Join the national moment of silence.

At 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, Americans are asked to pause for a minute of silence in a moment of unity, no matter where they are, to remember those who have died in military service to the United States.This National Moment of Remembrance is often marked by the playing of ‘Taps.’ 


3. Attend a Memorial Day parade.

Look online for a local memorial day parade in your area.


4. Watch the National Memorial Day Concert.

SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2024 | 8:00 P.M. ET     CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS

The National Memorial Day Concert on PBS premieres on the Sunday evening before Memorial Day. Most stations air the Concert at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT and repeat the program at 9:30 p.m. ET. The concert is broadcast on PBS as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network. The concert can also be streamed live on YouTube, the PBS app and PBS.org.


5. Visit a national cemetery or memorial.

Attend the cemetery’s Memorial Day ceremony or place flowers at the graves. Many cemeteries have memorials and pathways commemorating soldiers and veterans. Find a listing of national cemeteries or state cemeteries online. 


6. Take a virtual tour.

Tour the Museum virtually from anywhere in the world. Immerse yourself in the stories of service at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum from the comfort of your home. Go online to https://nationalvmm.org/visit/virtual-tours/


7. Post a tribute on social media.

Share the photo and story of a loved one or friend who served on you social media page.


8. Make a donation.

Veterans’ agencies and national organizations are always in need of financial support. Donating to veteran's organizations is a great way to commemorate Memorial Day and show support for those who have served our country. Look for reputable charities that provide wounded troops services, military social services and military family support. 


9. Wear a red poppy.

In 1918, in response to McCrae's poem, American humanitarian Moina Michael wrote 'And now the Torch and Poppy Red, we wear in honor of our dead…'. She campaigned to make the poppy a symbol of remembrance of those who had died in the war. Red poppies symbolize the blood shed during wartime. Wear one to remember the fallen and commemorate the sacrifice they made for our country. You can find artificial ones that are made and handed out to raise money for veterans’ causes as well.


10. Celebrate a hero.

Even if you aren’t personally connected to someone who has served, you can still call, text or visit someone who has lost a solider. Join them in celebrating the memory of this hero.

I hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend celebrating Memorial Day. As you relax with family and friends, please remember the sacrifice of our armed forces, especially the ones that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. 


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