It Isn’t About BBQs: How To Honor Memorial Day
Memorial Day isn’t about BBQs and the unofficial start of summer. It is a time to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our country and to celebrate the freedoms they fought for. If you are looking for ways to show gratitude to those who served, we’ve made a list of ideas on how to honor Memorial Day to help you uphold the memory of your loved ones or comfort the families of fallen veterans.
Learn about the true meaning of Memorial Day and what activities you can do to honor fallen veterans because Memorial Day isn't about BBQs only:
A Brief History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day has a rich history dating back to the Civil War when communities came together to pay tribute to fallen soldiers and offer comfort to their families.1 From the first Decoration Day on May 30, 1868, pioneered by General Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, to today, Memorial Day has remained a solemn reminder of the sacrifices of brave men and women in uniform.
Today, we celebrate it as a national mourning holiday on the last Monday of May with activities, like parades and a memorial service, that honor the real meaning of Memorial Day: to recognize and dignify the memories of those who have served our country and to remember the cost of our freedom.
Veterans Day Vs. Memorial Day Services
Memorial Day honors those who died in service, while Veterans Day celebrates former military men.
Aside from Memorial Day, there is another holiday close to the hearts of many Americans in honor of those who have served our country, and that is Veterans Day. Although they are both federal holidays in the United States that serve as solemn reminders of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military, there are distinct differences between them.
Memorial Day is observed on May’s last Monday and honors those who died in military service. On the other hand, Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11th and honors all who have served in the military, living or deceased.2 Remembering these differences to honor and celebrate each holiday accordingly is important.
12 Proper Ways to Honor Memorial Day
If you're wondering how to honor Memorial Day, there are countless ways to pay tribute to America's fallen heroes. From visiting cemeteries and attending parades to supporting veteran-owned businesses and reflecting in silence, here are 12 proper ways to spend your memorial day weekend and show your gratitude:
Cemetery Visit and Tribute
Visiting a cemetery3 or war memorial is a meaningful way to show respect and gratitude to fallen soldiers. You can leave flowers or flags at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery as a small gesture that can honor the ultimate sacrifice of most of the nation's fallen heroes.
Attend Parade Celebrations
Joining veteran-organized parades are great for getting personal stories about the nation's heroes from their families. Photo courtesy of American Veterans Center Facebook
Attending a Memorial Day parade and a National Memorial Day Concert is a great way to support the military and their families.4 The American Veterans Center and the World War II Veterans Committee have an annual parade you can join or watch through a live broadcast on national television. If you join the parade, you can meet and get to know fallen service members' families and living veterans’ stories. In this way, you will have a deeper personal understanding of Memorial Day.
Join National Moment of Remembrance
Participating in the National Moment of Remembrance, which takes place at 3:00 PM local time on Memorial Day,5 is a simple yet powerful way to pay tribute to fallen soldiers. Taking a moment to pause and reflect on their sacrifices can help us appreciate the true meaning of Memorial Day and the debt of gratitude we owe to those who have served.
Watch Patriotic Films
Binge-watching a patriotic movie6 or documentary about foreign wars on Memorial Day weekend can be a great way to learn more about our country's history and the sacrifices made by the military. It's a chance to get a glimpse of their experiences as a reminder of their sacrifice's importance.
Support Veterans Community
Supporting veterans' communities can help lighten the spirits of veterans who feel alone. Photo Courtesy of RCPT-USA
Donating to a veterans organization or volunteering in your local community can be a meaningful way to support those who have served.7 Whether it's offering your time or resources, giving back to veterans can positively impact their lives and show your appreciation for their service.
At Naked Armor, we sponsored a straight razor gift set for a lucky veteran at Gwinnett Medical Center in Georgia last 2019, and he loved it! That’s because a great shave always does wonders for the morale of our veterans. We also donated our American Straight Razors to a benefit auction of RCPT-USA for Vietnam War veterans last year.
Beard and straight razor kits are excellent functional gifts to honor and thank our veterans. They are a practical aid in personal hygiene, but they also serve as a poignant token of our appreciation for all they have done for us.
Military Museum Exploration
Visiting a military museum or exhibit can be a powerful way to learn more about our country's history and the sacrifices made by the military.8 You can understand the bravery and courage of those who have served and appreciate their sacrifices.
Plant Memorial Trees/Flowers
Planting a tree or flowers in memory of fallen soldiers can be a beautiful way to honor their sacrifice.9 It's a lasting tribute that can comfort the family members and loved ones of those who have served.
Offer Condolences and Support
Writing a letter to a Gold Star family or a family member of those who died serving the United States Military can be a powerful way to offer your condolences and support.10 It's a time to give thanks for their service and sacrifice and to console those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.
Historical Recipe Cooking
Cooking a meal or baking a dessert using a recipe with historical significance, such as biscuits or apple pie,11 can be a new way to commemorate Memorial Day while learning more about our country's history. It's a chance to connect with our past and appreciate the traditions that have shaped our country.
Support Veteran-Owned Businesses
Visiting a veteran-owned business can be a meaningful way to show your support for those who have served.12 Whether shopping at a veteran-owned store or eating at a veteran-owned restaurant, it's a chance to give back to those who have given so much to our country.
Honor with Run or Walk
Participating in a Memorial Day run or walk can be a great way to honor those who have served while staying active and healthy.13 It's a chance to show your support for the military and their families and pay tribute to their sacrifices.
Give Gifts for Your Veteran Loved-Ones
Gifting living veterans and loved ones on Memorial Day is a great way to show appreciation. It honors their struggles, sacrifices, and patriotism. It can also comfort and support veterans, especially elderly or ill ones who may feel isolated or alone.14
Many former servicemen enjoy the traditional art of wet shaving, so it's a good way to honor them on Memorial Day for their service. The American 7/8" Straight Razor Kit and Savanna Scuttle Kit from Naked Armor are excellent choices for veterans who appreciate the luxury of a high-quality shave.
The American Straight Razor's design symbolizes patriotism and comfort, while the Savanna Scuttle Kit's warm lather soothes skin and makes shaving more enjoyable. Together, these two items give veterans a meaningful way to honor their service in the United States Military while enjoying a luxurious grooming experience.
Honoring Memorial Day can be done in many meaningful ways, such as visiting a cemetery, watching a patriotic film, or supporting veteran-owned businesses. Whatever you choose to observe this day, reflecting on the sacrifices made by our military and their families is a powerful way to show gratitude and appreciation.
Read More
A Guide to Shaving in the Army
Shaving The Elderly: How to Shave Senior Citizens
Are Straight Razors Better For Getting The Best Shave?
References:
- Memorial Day History. History.com, A&E Television Networks, LLC, 2021, https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history.
- Veterans Day. Military.com, Military Advantage, 2021, https://www.military.com/veterans-day.
- 10 Largest National Veterans Cemeteries in United States. VeteranAid.org, 2023, https://www.veteranaid.org/blog/10-largest-national-veterans-cemeteries-in-united-states/.
- National Memorial Day Parade. American Veterans Center, 2023, https://www.americanveteranscenter.org/avc-events/parade/.
- National Moment of Remembrance. New York State West Youth Soccer Association, 2023, http://www.nyswysa.org/national-moment-of-remembrance/.
- 25 Memorial Day Movies to Watch This Weekend. Reader's Digest, Trusted Media Brands, Inc., 2021, https://www.rd.com/list/memorial-day-movies/.
- Nonprofit Organization for Veterans. Military.com, Military Advantage, 2023, https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/military-transition/nonprofit-organization-for-veterans.html.
- National Memorial Day Museum. Waterloo Library and Historical Society, 2023, https://wlhs-ny.com/national-memorial-day-museum/.
- Veterans in the Forest. One Tree Planted, 2021, https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/veterans-in-the-forest.
- Lascala, Marisa. What Is a Gold Star Family? TODAY.com, NBCUniversal Media, LLC, 2021, https://www.today.com/parents/family/what-is-gold-star-family-rcna49454.
- 25 Memorial Day Desserts to Sweeten Your Patriotic Picnic. The Pioneer Woman, Hearst Magazine Media, Inc., 2021, https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g35950141/memorial-day-desserts/.
- Veteran-Owned Business Directories. U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2021, https://www.uschamber.com/co/grow/marketing/veteran-owned-business-directories.
- Memorial Day 10k and 5k. Race Roster, 2023, https://raceroster.com/events/2023/66939/memorial-day-10k-and-5k.
- How Do Veterans Feel About Veterans Day and Memorial Day? Quora, Quora, Inc., 2023, https://www.quora.com/How-do-veterans-feel-about-Veterans-Day-and-Memorial-Day.
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