Memorial Day weekend can be a busy one for many. The three-day holiday that marks the unofficial start of summer is an opportunity for family activities, which unfortunately leaves little time for the original purpose of the holiday: honoring those who have died while serving in America’s armed forces.
Below are just a few ways to honor our Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day:
– Pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. Participate in a minute of silent reflection in honor and remembrance of those who have died in service to our nation.
– Buy a Poppy from the American Legion Auxiliary. The organization has been selling red crepe-paper poppies for Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day since 1925.
– Display the American Flag. On the morning of Memorial Day, raise the flag to the top of the staff before lowering it to half-staff. Leave it at half-staff until noon, when you can once again raise it to the top.
Memorial Day History:
The concept of Memorial Day dates back to 1868, then known as Decoration Day, a time to place flowers at the graves of our war dead. General John A Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic established Decoration Day with the first national celebration occurring on May 30, 1868. In 1971, it was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress that also moved it to the last Monday in May.
We at Absolute Insurance Agency will forever be grateful for all those who have served.