Memorial Day was created to honor military veterans who sacrificed their lives in service to our country. It’s a solemn holiday, often observed through acts of service. Here are several ways you can honor those who gave all.
Contact your local veterans’ cemetery
Veterans’ cemeteries throughout the country need volunteers to lay flowers or plant flags on the graves of military veterans. Find a cemetery near you and contact them to find out if they need volunteers for safe, socially distanced events this Memorial Day or other times throughout the year.
Collect veterans’ stories
Collect the stories of military veterans who are still with us. The Veterans History Project collects, preserves, and shares the personal accounts of American war veterans. The project no longer accepts online submissions, but you can learn more and download the materials you’ll need for interviews on the website.
Add a war memorial listing
If there is a war memorial in your community, add it to the Memorial Day Foundation’s National War Memorial Registry. The foundation was created to increase awareness of and respect for Memorial Day.
Share the meaning of Memorial Day
Learn more about Memorial Day and how it differs from other events honoring veterans. Use your social media profiles and online communities to explain the meaning and honor those veterans who have lost their lives in service to the country.
Use proper flag etiquette
If you have a flag and plan to use it to honor fallen veterans on Memorial Day, use proper flag etiquette: Fly the flag at half staff only until noon, and then raise it again.
Observe the National Moment of Remembrance
The National Moment of Remembrance was first proclaimed by Congress in 2000 as a way to unify the nation in observance of fallen veterans. It is a moment of silence that takes place for one minute at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.
Participate in a virtual 5K
Around the country, people honor fallen military veterans by participating in in-person and virtual charity runs. Search sites like Eventbrite and Meetup for safe events in which you can participate.
Of course, you can also volunteer with veterans who are still with us. One way to do so is with the AARP Virtual Veterans Brigade, which helps raise awareness of issues related to military veterans. If you’re interested in seeking more opportunities, you can find more ways to volunteer while honoring our heroes. Use the keyword "veterans.”
