Honor Our Veterans This Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a federal holiday set aside to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military. Throughout our nation’s 243 year history over 1.1 million American soldiers have died fighting for our way of life.
There are still men and women in uniform dying today to preserve our freedom and to protect our values. That is why, along with the family gatherings, barbecues and outdoor activities that will take place over the Memorial Day weekend, it is important that we show our appreciation for those who have served our country.
Here are a few suggestions on how to celebrate this holiday:
Attend a parade or another community event
Greater Lafayette holds one of Indiana’s largest Memorial Day parades. This year’s parade will be held on Monday, May 27. The parade starts at 12:00 noon at 16th and Alabama Streets, travels on Main Street to Wallace Ave, then takes Park Drive into Columbian Park where a program begins around 1 pm at Memorial Island. Remember to stand and applaud when veterans march past.
Visit a war memorial or veteran’s cemetery in your town
At the Indiana Soldiers Home Cemetery a Remembrance Ceremony will take place on Monday, May 27, starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Mitchell Courtyard, to the left of the Fallen Soldier Monument.
The 2019 Keynote Speaker for the Remembrance Ceremony is Dennis Wimer, Director of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs.
Don’t forget to take flowers or make a wreath that you can leave in honor of the soldiers who died fighting for our country. This event is free and open to the public.
Fly the American flag
On Memorial Day the flag is flown at half-mast in the morning, a position reserved for when the country is in mourning. At noon the flag is raised to full mast for the remainder of the day. Take the time to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Make a trip to the veteran’s hospital or a Veterans of Foreign Wars post
Although Memorial Day is about soldiers who died in war, all veterans will appreciate being in your thoughts. Visit military veterans at Indiana Soldiers Home or VFW post and bring them cookies or donate books or movies to their library. Most of all thank them for their service to our country.
Invite a military family over for the day
Do you know of a family who has a mother, father, son or daughter, brother or sister serving overseas? Invite them over to your barbecue and celebrate Memorial Day with family members who are directly connected to those who are currently risking their lives in service of our country.
Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance
In 2000, Congress established a National Moment of Remembrance, which asks Americans to pause for one minute at 3pm in an act of national unity. The time was chosen because 3pm “is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday.” Light a candle, say a prayer, sing a song, or salute the flag in honor of our fallen soldiers.
Grateful For Those Who Serve
All of us at the Mitchell Agency are forever grateful to those Americans who have given their lives for our freedom. We are also very thankful for those who are serving our country today in the armed forces.