memorial day activities female hand placing fresh picked flowers on grave site with american flag

Memorial Day Activities: Simple Ways to Honor and Remember

/11 Comments/in , /by Mary Hunt

Memorial Day isn’t just a kickoff to summer—it’s a time to remember and honor the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country. While enjoying the long weekend with family and friends, let’s also embrace Memorial Day activities that pay tribute to our fallen heroes. Here are some simple and meaningful ideas to celebrate Memorial Day with the respect it deserves.

memorial day activities female hand placing fresh picked flowers on grave site with american flag

For many, Memorial Day has pretty much morphed from a day of remembrance to a much anticipated three-day weekend with exciting outdoor events that officially welcome the start of summer. But it’s more than that.

Understanding Memorial Day’s True Meaning

In fact, it’s not really about a big blowout holiday weekend at all. It’s about remembering our history and those who’ve gone before. Memorial Day is for honoring and mourning the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country—who gave their lives to protect our freedom while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

U.S. history was not something stressed or even talked about in my family growing up. I possessed a general timeline of events but that was about it. All of that changed for me when I married a man for whom our American history is more than a few facts memorized to get past a final exam.

My husband lives and breathes our nation’s history. He planned our honeymoon around visits to Revolutionary War and Civil War battlefields, culminating with an all-day visit to Gettysburg National Military Park.

I was gobsmacked by what I didn’t know. Such an emotionally packed tour I’d never experienced. I learned more that day at Gettysburg than I’d learned about our nation’s history in my 16 years of formal education.

That so many gave their lives to preserve this republic filled me with a deep sense of gratitude I’d not known. To be there—to see this battlefield and to visualize what happened was nearly too much to take in.

“That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.” – President Abraham Lincoln

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with relaxing with friends and family and celebrating the arrival of summer. But I want to challenge you and your family to find Memorial Day activities that allow you to pay homage this weekend to those who have given their lives for the sake of our country and our freedoms. I have a few suggestions.

Fly the Flag

memorial day activities fly the flag with black mourning ribbon residential home

To be displayed properly on Memorial Day, the flag of the United States is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.

As the US Memorial Day website puts it:

“The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. 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.”

If you find yourself unable to display the flag at half-staff on Memorial Day, there’s another respectful gesture you can make. You can display your flag with a black mourning ribbon, symbolizing the solemn significance of the day and showing your respect for those who have sacrificed for our country.

Participate in Local Memorial Day Events

memorial day activities parade wooden wagon decorated with patriotic flags

Participating in local Memorial Day events is a wonderful way to honor our fallen heroes and connect with the community. If you’re able, consider attending a nearby event or parade dedicated to Memorial Day. Don your most patriotic attire and join your fellow citizens in paying tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

For local Memorial Day events, just do a quick internet search with “Memorial Day events near me.” You’ll find commemorations, parades, and ceremonies in your area, making it easy to stay informed and join in activities that honor the true spirit of Memorial Day.

Pay Homage

a veteran\'s cemetery with america flags on each gravestone

Consider visiting a local cemetery to pay your respects to fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers or American flags. Taking the time to honor their memory in this way is a powerful gesture of gratitude.

Alternatively, you can simply walk through the cemetery grounds quietly, reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who served our country. Use this time for personal contemplation, offering thanks for the freedoms we enjoy today because of their bravery and selflessness.

Educational Outings: Museums and Battlefields

memorial day activities intrepid museum new york

Plan a visit to a military museum or battlefield and immerse yourselves in the history and significance of the sacrifices made by countless individuals. Use this opportunity to teach your children about the valor and dedication of those who have served in the armed forces, instilling in them a deep respect for our military personnel. By educating them about the sacrifices made for our freedom, you help cultivate a sense of gratitude and reverence that will resonate with them for years to come.

Although not exhaustive, here are several suggestions to help you get started. For a more comprehensive list, we recommend visiting Veteran Voices for additional ideas and resources by state.

Proper Flag Etiquette and Care

memorial day activities handwashing american flag

Caring for our nation’s flag is a vital part of honoring its significance. Tuesday night as you take down your flag, consider giving it a good wash. Yes, this is allowed by the official rules that guide us in the use, care, and keeping of our nation’s flag.

Follow official guidelines for flag care, ensuring it is treated with the utmost respect. Don’t throw the flag on the floor or into a clothes hamper. Respectfully, place it in the washer as the only item in the load, or wash it by hand in a basin or other vessel. Most U.S. flags these days are made of polyester and cotton blend, so a warm cycle with your regular detergent is sufficient. Once washed, hang it to dry in an area where it will be elevated and not touching the ground.

To store a modern-day flag, use a long cardboard shipping tube or PVC round tube to roll up the flag. Secure with cotton string and store covered with a plain cotton sheet to keep away dust. This will prevent wrinkles and keep the flag ready to use.

Memorial Day is the perfect time to renew our respect, honor, and gratitude for those who’ve given their lives to secure and protect our freedom—and for the flag which symbolizes that freedom.

May this Memorial Day serve as a reminder of the profound sacrifices made in service of our country, and may we always strive to uphold the values and freedoms for which they fought.

God bless America!

 

Question: What are your favorite ways to honor and remember our fallen heroes on Memorial Day? Share your traditions and activities with us.

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11 replies
    • Mary Hunt says:

      You can fly the American flag 24/7, year round. And yes the guidelines direct that it be lighted after dark. We have a flag at our home. We got a very inexpensive floodlight with a solar panel. It comes on automatically at dark and always has enough solar power to keep the battery going all night. And it works well all year round! That’s a testament to how many sunny days we have here in Colorado. But even on overcast days there seems to be enough energy to keep Old Glory lighted up through the night.

      We have this particular solar light: Solar Spot Lights Outdoor, 2 Pack

      Reply
  2. Mary says:

    Early this morning, I set out to visit the closest National Cemetery to participate in decorating the graves in the cemetery with American flags.
    This cemetery has a section reserved for those who have been awarded the highest honor, the Medal of Honor. Each MOH grave has a special notation that gives the veteran’s MOH story. It was a privilege to read their stories.

    People are also needed to remove the flags next Saturday. If you live near a National Cemetery, you might consider participating next Saturday, June 3.

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      Thanks so much for this, Mary. Another reminder of the price paid by so many for the freedoms we enjoy, and often take for granted. God bless America (land that I LOVE)!

      Reply
  5. Sheri B. says:

    Amen Mary! Thank you!
    My grandfather (both) served and my father was a Marine Corp and fought in the Korean War. He lost his best friend to a landmine which my father saw.
    My father always taught us about Memorial day and my adult son and I are going to be with my sister and brother in law for a BBQ and remember what our father and Grandfather fought for!
    Also, my uncle Kenny served, my cousin (2 of them) served. Praise God for the men / women who fight for our Country! May God Bless them all!

    Reply
  6. Linda Radosevich says:

    Thank you, Mary! My husband, father, and uncles served in the Armed Forces. My grandfather served on the draft board in their little town. Grandma placed flowers on all the family graves on Memorial Day until she wasn’t able, then my aunt and oldest cousin took over. Years later, one of my younger cousins cleans each brass nameplate every Memorial Day. It’s truly a day of remembrance for my family.

    Reply
  7. Kanzamom says:

    Consider flying the flag EVERY day. Remember to bring it in at dusk and never display in inclimate weather

    Reply
  8. Pat W says:

    My dad had been in the army and was a commander of a VFW group, so I learned all about that. Then I married a man who missed his calling as a history teacher. It’s important to know what went before so hopefully, we can do better next time. I truly hope this current political cycle ends quickly, so that some of those lessons can be realized.

    Reply

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