Memorial Day is often considered the unofficial beginning of summer. Parades take place, the grill is dusted off for the first time. However, it is more than that. Memorial Day is in remembrance of soldiers who fell in combat risking their lives for their country.
It is about gratitude.
This year Memorial Day will occur on Monday, May 30.
Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.
10 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day
1. Fly an American Flag
Flying an American flag is one of the simplest ways to celebrate Memorial Day.
2. Wear Red, White, and Blue
Nothing says American holiday like apparel in red, white, and blue.
3. Visit Locals Serving in Armed Forces
Nothing is more comforting than paying a visit to locals serving in the Armed Forces.
4. Send A Care Package to Members of Armed Forces
We all love to receive care packages, so why not recognize fallen soldiers by caring for those currently serving.
5. Make Patriotic Crafts
This is a great activity for the whole family! Pick up your bottles of glue and paint to make an American Flag out of popsicle sticks.
6. Set Off Fireworks
Boom! I hope this idea blows your mind! Light up the sky with your patriotic red, white, and blue Memorial Day fireworks.
7. Bake American-Themed Desserts
Looking for sweet ways to celebrate Memorial Day? Try adding red, white, and blue candies to your cookies and brownies for a simple and easy festive dessert.
8. Host A Bonfire
Grab all of your neighborhood friends and family to heat up your Memorial Day with a bonfire.
9. Visit A Museum or Historical Site
Consider visiting your local war or history museum to recognize those who died while serving in the Armed Forces.
10. Visit A War Memorial
The most important activity on your ‘What to do on Memorial Day’ checklist is remembering those who died in battle.
Did You Know….Wearing a red poppy on Memorial Day began with a World War I poem.
In the spring of 1915, bright red flowers began poking through the battle-ravaged land across northern France and Flanders (northern Belgium). Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, who served as a brigade surgeon for an Allied artillery unit, spotted a cluster of the poppies shortly after serving as a brigade surgeon during the bloody Second Battle of Ypres. The sight of the bright red flowers against the dreary backdrop of war inspired McCrae to pen the poem, “In Flanders Field,” in which he gives voice to the soldiers who had been killed in battle and lay buried beneath the poppy-covered grounds. Later that year, a Georgia teacher and volunteer war worker named Moina Michael read the poem in Ladies’ Home Journal and wrote her own poem, “We Shall Keep the Faith” to begin a campaign to make the poppy a symbol of tribute to all who died in war. The poppy remains a symbol of remembrance to this day.
Although not on Memorial Day, we hope you will all join us for our gathering on Sunday the 29th for our annual Spring into Summer Event. If you have not registered yet, please contact the manager at Lgoguet@scotchhallpreservehoa.com for details.
Have a great Weekend!
Laura Goguet
Community Manager