Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May (this year on May 26) and is a federal holiday designated for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is not the same as Veterans Day (observed on November 11) which honors and thanks all veterans, living and deceased, who have served in the U.S. military. If you are planning a family or military reunion during the last weekend in May, consider building in some of these activities. But even if your reunion is planned for a different time, you can still participate with your immediate family or as part of a group or community.
- Parades and ceremonies. Many towns have Memorial Day parades with local marching bands, veterans, and organizations. Check your local town’s website or call the town hall/office for information about parade routes and schedules.
- Volunteer to place flags: Many organizations or individuals place American flags on graves of veterans’ cemeteries. Check with them about volunteering your time for this meaningful act of remembrance.
- Visit military cemeteries. Plan a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, in Washington, DC, Gettysburg National Cemetery (PA), or pay respects at local military cemeteries. Find a list at https://www.cem.va.gov/find-cemetery/all-national.asp.
Where appropriate, you can also build remembrances into your reunion such as a moment of silence or collecting money for a donation to Memorial Flowers https://memorialdayflowers.org—a national foundation that places a flower on the graves of soldiers.
