9 Ways To Honor Memorial Day This Year

by proformadmin · Published May 18, 2020 · Updated May 18, 2020

Commemorating Memorial Day usually involves barbeques, games, and large gatherings with family and friends; however, it’s looking a little different this year. Rather than focusing on our limitations at this time, why not take a trip down memory lane and remind ourselves of what Memorial Day is really about.

Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veteran’s Day. Veteran’s Day is a day honoring the service of all U.S. military veterans in the month of November every year, whereas Memorial Day honors those men and women who have died while in military service and is celebrated in May.

To continue the celebration and honor these incredible men and women who have served and died for our country, here are 8 ways we can proudly honor Memorial Day:

1. Listen To A Veteran

Whether you have a close relative who is a veteran or simply an acquaintance, make yourself available to listen to their stories of their past. They may be more open and willing to share their experiences with you than you think. As a matter of fact, they may even share something with you that no history textbook can teach you.

If you don’t have a veteran to speak with, read a good book to learn more about our history and what happened that has allowed us to be here today.

2. Write A Letter To A Frontline Responder

Veteran Letter For Memorial Day – ProForm Blog

Many of us may have forgotten how satisfying it is to receive a thoughtful letter in the mail. With email and the internet so easily available and convenient, the simpler times of picking up a pencil and paper seem to have vanished from existence; however, the effect it has on the receiver is so profound.

To make this possible, non-profit organizations such as Operation Gratitude® makes it so easy to make a kind gesture of writing a letter and delivering it to the hands of a frontline responder. So, you can feel good about doing your part in being supportive and gracious while staying safe at home.

3. Virtually Volunteer For A Cause

With isolation limitations in place, organizations have gotten creative with ways to volunteer, which brings us back to Operation Gratitude®. Again, they make giving-back so close within your reach even without your physical presence.

Luckily, you can participate in their #VirtualVolunteerism campaign which will allow you the opportunity to support Deployed Troops, National Guardsmen, First Responders, and Emergency Medical Personnel who are on the frontlines of this COVID-19 pandemic. You can volunteer as an individual, group, or a business. See their website for more information.

4. Make A Flower Donation

You can pay tribute to our fallen soldiers by calling your local florist to deliver flowers to a gravesite or simply go to Memorial Day Flowers®. They will arrange long stem roses to be shipped directly from a farm to your address, and your purchase with them will help support the placement of 25 flowers at Arlington National Cemetery.

5. Get Crafty With Making Your Own Red Poppy

Red poppies are a symbol of remembrance for Memorial Day. The story of the red poppy dates back after World World I––symbolizing battle and following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. as he served on the front lines.

6. Fly The American Flag

Simply flying an American flag in your yard is a great way to show your patriotism for your country. In saying so, did you know that there’s a U.S. Flag Code for flying your flag? Having been established by Congress in 1942, the code states the American flag can fly every day of the year, but on Memorial Day the flag should be placed at half staff from sunrise to noon, then raised to full staff for the rest of the holiday.

7. Take A Moment Of Silence

Taking a minute of silence at 3pm on Memorial Day for The National Moment of Remembrance™ is a way to give thanks and honor those who died in service for our nation.

8. Deliver Food To A Fallen Soldier’s Family

Continue on with a Memorial Day barbeque with your immediate family and make a little extra, then deliver your extra food to the doorstep of a fallen soldier’s family. This kind gesture may make the world of difference for the families who are missing their loved one on this special day.

9. Admire America’s Beauty

iFit® gives us the opportunity to explore all what our country has to offer without ever leaving our homes. Get up close to the mountains of Utah, run the Boston Marathon route, and trek around Alaska. There’s no better day to give our country the attention and admiration it deserves.

We thank all the men and women veterans who have served our country––giving us all an opportunity to live freely and safely in this country. Today is for you!

DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. ProForm assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

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