4 Ways to Honor our Soldiers this Memorial Day

Today in America we are celebrating Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a day dedicated to honoring and paying respect to the soldiers who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Some spend this holiday with family and friends in ceremonies filled with heartfelt loss, and others choose to spend it in any way that makes them happy.

I was standing in my local grocery store yesterday and what I noticed sparked something in me that I wanted to share with you all today. I saw many elderly out buying flowers, I assume, to honor lost loved ones. It dawned on me how real it is for them. This day is a tragic reminder of all they’ve lived through, the people they lost, and the things they’ve done. Most of us are blessed in the sense that we may live our whole lives without ever feeling the loss that so many have endured.

I often see on social media people posting about “remember this isn’t just a weekend to barbeque and get drunk, it is a day to remember our soldiers.” Every time I see one of these posts I think about how many people don’t celebrate Memorial Day. Instead of criticizing people who seem unappreciative, try to remember that one of the reasons our men and women make these sacrifices is for us to have the freedom to enjoy life. However, if you do feel like taking some time out of your festivities to honor our soldiers there are small things you can do.

People on social media give the impression that in order to honor those who have lost their lives you have to attend a ceremony or put on a big show to prove you’re not just partying on the long weekend but you don’t. There are so many ways you can still show respect, love, and appreciation on this day in a personal way.

1.) Gratitude: 

Whether you write in a gratitude journal every day or just pull out a piece of paper or share in your own mind- express your gratitude. Write out your appreciation and let your thoughts flow out of you. Write everything you can on how much it means to you and the world all that these soldiers have done.

2.) Voice it:

During your dinner or barbeque this evening and when everyone is giving cheers voice your appreciation for this day and how it provides everyone with the chance to honor people who deserve today to be remembered. Remind others to be grateful and spend a moment to remember why we celebrate today.

3.) Prayer: 

Whether you are religious or not, you would be surprised with the power of thought. Sending out loving and kind energy to the world is sometimes the small things that make a big difference. Pray for these soldiers and their families. Wish them well, thank them, and tell the universe just how grateful you feel for their service and for the life they have provided for you.

4.) Moment of silence:

Whether you meditate or just take a moment throughout your day to just sit in stillness. Forgetting about your world for a moment and thinking about theirs. Even taking the smallest moment, taking any time out of your day to just sit and honor the soldiers, sometimes all it is just showing that you care. Caring can make all the difference.

Everyone celebrates in their own ways, whether you are having a party or attending services, it is okay to live your life. Just spending a few moments today to show someone love and gratitude, even a stranger, may be all you can do but it makes a difference. Sometimes all people really want is to know that they are loved and appreciated, and that they are in your thoughts.

Today I would like to thank all the men and women who are currently serving our country, those we’ve lost, all our veterans, as well as their families. Know that your sacrifices do not go unnoticed, and I for one plan to make the most of every day they’ve given us.

Do you have any special traditions for Memorial Day?