Memorial Day is almost upon us once again.
For millions of Americans, the holiday is a chance to remember those in the military who sacrificed their lives for our country.
For others, Memorial Day is also the official start of summer. It’s a day to gather with friends and family and enjoy the warm weather.
Many of us look forward to Memorial Day for the backyard barbecues and a three-day weekend, but it's important to remember what the holiday is about: honoring the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
Before you get the grill fired up, get everyone involved in these family-friendly activities. These activities help to remind everyone why we celebrate this Monday in May.
5 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day
1. Brush up on American history
If there was a time to do it, it's now.
Before diving into your Memorial Day activities, teach your kids (and refresh your own memory) about the reason we celebrate Memorial Day and how it differs from Veteran's Day.
2. Fly the American Flag
Memorial Day is an excellent time to wave our red, white, and blue! Let the kids join in the fun and hang flags from the house and on the lawn.
There’s never been a better time to embrace your patriotism and your yard will look great with those stars and stripes!
If you have a flagpole, consider joining others in the country by lowering the flag half-mast from dawn until noon as a sign of respect.
3. Take a moment of silence
No matter where you live, take a moment of silence at 3 p.m. for The National Moment of Remembrance.
For at least one minute, send your thanks, love, and prayers to active soldiers, veterans, and the many men and women who died serving our country.
4. Donate flowers for soldiers' graves
Even if your schedule is super busy over the long weekend, you can still pay your respects to the fallen troops with a donation to Memorial Day Flowers,
a national foundation that places a flower on the graves of soldiers.
5. Volunteer
Whether it’s a friend who needs a hand or an elderly neighbor, volunteering is a great way to pay it forward in a positive way, volunteering echoes the spirit of Memorial Day.
Take it upon yourself to do something selfless, just as the many men and women we celebrate on Memorial Day did.
For ideas on how you can volunteer or get involved with your local community, you can check out United Way of Northwest Georgia’s,
Volunteer Center Page, or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Summer Mosteller - summer.mosteller@ourunitedway.org