Some might consider Memorial Day little more than a day off — a time to break out the barbecue or hit the swimming pool. But that would be selling the holiday tragically short.
Memorial Day was created to commemorate deceased veterans, lost servicemembers and soldiers killed in action who gave their lives to bring you liberty.
You don’t have to be a friend or family member of a fallen servicemember to pay your respects on Memorial Day. All are welcome to participate.
The day is always held on the last Monday of May, which falls on the 29th in 2023.
“The appearance of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.”How to observe Memorial Day
While there is no “right” way to observe Memorial Day, here are a few ideas.
Display the American Flag on your property
This is something almost anyone can do to pay respects. You could install a flagpole or simply insert smaller flags around your property. If possible, ensure the flag is at half-staff from sunrise to noon, then full-staff until sunset. Homeowners’ Associations may have certain rules they expect you to follow, so check with them to ensure your display is appropriate.
Visit a local cemetery to pay personal respects
While official ceremonies take place across a wide range of cemeteries, they can’t include every single one. If you know of a place where lost soldiers are buried, feel free to visit their resting places.
It’s common practice to leave something at the grave site. Flowers, coins and stones are possible options. It would be wise to familiarize yourself with what each type of item represents. For example, pennies indicate you have no formal relationship with the deceased, but dimes are for when you served with the servicemember. Be especially careful with the quarter: This means you were present at the time of their death.
This type of remembrance may be especially useful if you’re a loved one of the fallen servicemember and would prefer to pay respects in private. Or you may feel similarly about soldiers you might not have known in life but wish to honor in your own way.
Attend an official service
All over the nation, organizations hold services to commemorate Memorial Day. Both urban and rural areas hold ceremonies, so it’s highly likely that your local community or one close to you is having its own.
For example, the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs has planned observances beginning at 10:00 AM local time at all four of its state cemeteries. California has compiled a comprehensive list of its own ceremonies taking place across the state on military grounds, main public streets, beaches and other locations. Whatever state you live in, you’re sure to find an opportunity to pay your respects at an official Memorial Day service.
No ceremony may be more famous than the one held annually at Arlington National Cemetery, where the President of the United States of America pays their respects and delivers an address for the thousands of visitors in attendance. The president or their designee also lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where all unidentified servicemembers are represented.
All official Memorial Day services are open to the public and require no bookings or tickets in advance.
However you observe Memorial Day, do it solemnly
Feel free to do one, some or all of these activities during Memorial Day. If you’re feeling especially creative, come up with something on your own.
However, it’s important to remember that Memorial Day is not meant to be a carefree celebration, but a holiday for the solemn paying of respect for fallen servicemembers who can’t be there. Keep this in mind when planning your observance.