Memorial Day…who doesn’t love a day off from work? But do you know the true meaning behind the day? Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. Memorial Day occurs every year on the final Monday of May. This year on May 27th Americans will observe Memorial Day. While you are enjoying a day off from work with a barbeque or a trip to the mall for some shopping, remember to take a moment to observe the true meaning of this day and give thanks to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our homeland safe. So how can you honor a military service man or woman on this day?
Observe the National Moment of Remembrance. The Moment occurs on Memorial Day, 3 PM, local time, for 1 minute. You can choose to observe this moment in any way you like. It is the sentiment that counts. Wearing patriotic colors, such as red, white & blue or a treasured pin is a simple way to remember the fallen as well. Or, just choose to fly or display the American flag. It’s that easy!
Visit a gravesite and offer flowers to those U.S. Troops who have died in the nation’s service. Many military cemeteries also need assistance in placing flags at the head of each grave stone.
Participate in Memorial Day activities such as a parade, wreath laying and / or memorial service for recently killed service members from your community.
Make a donation to help the troops currently in harms way by donating to causes such as http://www.operationgratitude.com/ by sending a heartfelt sentiment via a handwritten letters to soldiers. Or talk to your employer about any matching programs available when donating funds to groups like http://www.uso.org/. Show your support for the troops by donating supplies or volunteering man hours to create care packages with groups such as http://operationcarepackages.org/.
Welcome home soldiers returning from active duty by donating supplies, creating care packages or giving a cheer as they step back on American soil for the first time in a long time. Groups such as this one: http://www.operationwelcomehomemd.org/ can be found throughout the nation.
Finally, share a special keepsake with a loved one by 
decorating any time of the year with personalized military ornaments. All branches of the military are represented at OrnamentsAndMore.com. You can also choose to celebrate in a more patriotic style with our red, white & blue snowmen, glass shaped countries, handmade HERO ornaments as well as photo frame keepsakes. A personalized military ornament is a unique way to tell the heroic soldier just how much you admire their strength and courage.
So save the date – May 27, 2013 & thank a soldier for all that they do. You may never know how much your kind words and sentiment are appreciated.
