Memorial Day

Memorial Day est. 1868 A day of remembrance for those who have died serving our nation. HOW SHOULD YOU OBSERVE MEMORIAL DAY? It's more than a day for Bar-B-Que's and mattress sales. Many traditions have been lost over the years, and some Americans may not know the true meaning of Memorial Day. Read below to find out more about this National Day of Remembrance, and what you can do to pay your respects to those brave heroes who have died serving our nation during times of war. Wear a Red Poppy Inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields" in 1915, Moina Michael wrote her own poem: "We cherish too, the Poppy red That grows on fields where valor led, It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies" She then conceived the idea to wear red poppies on Memorial Day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. This concept spread to other countries as well, and today you will see many people wearing red poppies to show respect on Memorial Day. The poppy has also been adopted as the official memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. 11 10 6. 11 12 10 Moment of Remembrance 12 3:00 PM on Memorial Day is the "National Moment of Remembrance" President Clinton established the "National Moment of Remembrance" in 2000 to give everyone a chance to reflect on the true purpose and sacrifices that should be honored on Memorial Day. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, take a moment to think about our fallen heroes during this time. Decorate Graves Formally known as "Decoration Day", Memorial Day is a time to visit and pay respects to the graves of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. American flags, flowers, and other items can be left at the tombstone of family members or friends who died serving in any American war. attend a Parade on Ceremony Your town or city may be hosting a parade or other Memorial Day event. Attend these events with your family to show your gratitude for those who have died in battle. Fly an American Flag On Memorial Day, flags are flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, and then raised to full-staff. For mounted flags that cannot be lowered, the American Legion says an acceptable alternative is to attach a black ribbon to the top of the flag pole, directly beneath the ornament at the end of the pole. The ribbon should be the same width as the stripes on the flag and the same length as the flag. Pledge to Help Make a commitment to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen dead. Also take the time to help and volunteer for the disabled veterans who were wounded in war. THIS INFOGRAPHIC WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LOWVARATES COM SOURCES: http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html http://thefw.com/things-you-didnt-know-about-memorial-day/ http://militaryfamily.about.com/od/holidays/qt/Protocol-For-Flying- The-American-Flag-At-Half-Staff-On-Memorial-Day.htm Designad by AVALAUNCHMEDIA.COM