Beyond the Barbecue – How to Make Memorial Day Meaningful

Memorial Day is more than barbecues and hanging out with your friends. It’s a chance to pause and honor those who sacrificed for our freedom. So as you fire up the grill, take a moment to remember the true meaning of the holiday.

Getting involved with events and activities in your area is one way you can make this Memorial Day a day of true remembrance. If you’re not sure of the best way to get involved, here are seven ways you can show your support:

1. Put Flowers on a Grave: You can visit a local veteran cemetery and put wreaths and flags on graves. Some of these cemeteries have older graves that haven’t been decorated in years. It's a good moment to teach your kids and grandchildren about military history and show your respect. There are also over 156 national cemeteries in the United States and Puerto Rico where you can ask to volunteer to help. There isn’t a national cemetery in every state, so you can visit the VA National Cemetery Administration site to find one near you. 
2. Attend a Parade or Ceremony: Many cities have local Memorial Day parades and ceremonies. Find one near you and attend. Showing up in your red, white, and blue and waving a flag is a great way to show your support. 
3. Fly the American Flag: On Memorial Day, the American flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon. After noon, then it should be raised to full-staff, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This tradition shows our mourning and honors fallen soldiers.
4. National Moment of Remembrance: At 3 pm local time, take one minute to pause and have a moment of silence. It’s this time every year on Memorial Day for us to take a moment to remember and honor those who have died in service to our country. 
5. Support a Veteran Organization: There are many local and national groups that help veterans and their families, like the Wounded Warrior Project. Making a donation or volunteering for these groups can make a real difference in their lives. Whether it’s raising money by participating in a 5K walk or having a bake sale, there are many ways you can help and get involved.
6. Say “Thank You”: Show your support by calling or texting friends or family members who have served in the Military. You can also show your appreciation when you see someone in uniform or wearing a military cap by saying, 'Thank you for your service.' It’s a simple gesture that can mean so much to a veteran.
7. Send a Care Package: Get together with your friends, family, church, or group to put together care packages. You can make the care packages for those you know who are currently serving and even those you don’t know personally. The United States Post Office can help you with shipping the packages overseas. They even have a service that can ship military packages internationally at domestic prices.

Here are some ideas on what to include in your care package:

• A thank you card or handwritten note
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Baby wipes
• Toiletries like shampoo, body wash, and toothpaste
• Over-the-counter medications like anti-diarrhea, aspirin, and antibiotic creams
• Lip balm
• Foot powder
• Granola or power bars
• Nuts
• Candy like Twizzers and jelly beans – don’t send chocolate as it will melt

For more suggestions on what to send and how to get started, visit Military.com or the United Service Organization (USO). 

As you can see, there are many ways to get involved this Memorial Day. So enjoy the barbecue, but take a moment to remember why this day really matters. It’s not just another holiday; it’s a day to honor the sacrifices of the men and women in our military.

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Please note that these organizations are not connected with Clover Health.

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