Memorial Day 2022

Memorial Day & its Importance

Memorial Day is usually a day of pool parties, cookouts, and lots of fun. However, we want to remind you that the true meaning of Memorial Day is much more than an “opening day” for the summer. Throughout American history, many people have dedicated their lives to the country, risking their lives to defend the land they love and the freedoms they believed everyone should have. Each year on the last Monday of May, the nation comes together to observe Memorial Day. This day is used to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the country.

Memorial Day was first observed as Decoration Day on May 30, 1868. It was a response to the unprecedented bloodshed that occurred during the Civil War. Today many national parks across the United States provide places for reflection and commemoration of those who sacrificed themselves to protect the nation.

How to Honor our Heroes

Here are a few ways you can remember and honor our fallen heroes this Memorial Day:

  • Watch the Military In Lasting Tribute online memorial and reflect on some of our nation’s heroes.
  • Visit a cemetery: Honor a family member or any veteran by placing flowers on their grave. Check out this link to Find a veterans cemetery near you.
  • Join the national moment of silence. At 3:00 pm on Memorial Day, the nation will be taking a moment of silence to honor those who have fallen.
  • Attend a local parade. There are many cities and towns that have Memorial Day parades. Check out this link to Contact your Military and Family Support Center to find a local event.
  • Wear red poppies: On Memorial Day, people often wear red poppies in honor of those who died serving the nation during war.
  • Make a tribute post to a fallen soldier on social media. If you have a friend or family member who died during Military Service, we encourage you to post a picture and a written tribute to them on your favorite social media platform.

How will you honor the fallen soldiers this Memorial Day? Smith Chason wishes you a fun and safe Memorial Day. We appreciate all that our nation’s heroes have done for us. Happy Memorial Day!