LIFE & TRENDS


Honoring Heroes With Tradition and Respect


Use Memorial Day to remember brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. ::


BY BECCA BLOND M


emorial day is more than just the unofficial start of summer — it is a solemn occasion to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the


United States. While many Americans recognize the holiday with


barbecues and long weekends, it is essential to honor the true meaning of Memorial Day by paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.


VISIT A CEMETERY OR MEMORIAL One of the most powerful ways to observe Memorial Day is by visiting a national or local veterans’ cemetery. Groups such as the


American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars organize flag-placing ceremonies, where volunteers mark the graves


of fallen service members with American flags. Many cemeteries also hold Memorial Day services featuring guest speakers, honor guards, and moments of silence.


GOLD STAR FAMILIES Memorial Day is a time to remember not just the fallen but also the families they left behind. Gold Star families, those who have lost a loved one in military service, often spend this day in quiet remembrance. Offering support — whether through a simple phone call, letter, or act of kindness — can have meaningful impact. The Gary Sinise Foundation, TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program


for Survivors), and the Wounded Warrior Project all offer programs that provide aid to those affected by military loss. Donating or volunteering in their efforts is a way to give back in a lasting way.


MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES Many towns and cities hold Memorial Day parades, church


68 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | MAY 2025


services, or community gatherings to honor fallen soldiers. Attending a local event is a way to show support for veterans and their families while reinforcing the importance of the holiday. For those unable to attend a public event, organizing a small gathering at home — perhaps with a moment of prayer, a reading of names, or a tribute to a family member who served — can be just as meaningful. Some families also choose to light a remembrance candle in honor of a lost soldier — a simple but powerful tribute.


NATIONAL MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE At 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, Americans are encouraged to pause for a moment of silence to honor fallen soldiers.


This nationwide observance, established by Congress in 2000,


serves as a unified way for the country to reflect on the true purpose of the holiday.


DISPLAY THE AMERICAN FLAG PROPERLY According to the U.S. Flag Code, the flag should be flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day. This gesture honors fallen soldiers in the morning, and symbolizes service members’ resilience and continued fight for freedom in the afternoon.


TEACH NEXT GENERATION Memorial Day is an opportunity to educate the young about the sacrifices made to secure the freedoms they enjoy. Share stories about fallen soldiers, especially those from your


own family or community. If you have military history books, documentaries, or letters from past service members, Memorial Day is a fitting time to revisit them. Engaging in discussions about the values of duty, honor, and


country can ensure that the meaning of the holiday is preserved for future generations.


WATCH PATRIOTIC FILMS For those looking for a quieter way to reflect, watching a patriotic film or documentary can be a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our armed forces. Some of the most impactful Memorial Day films include: Saving Private Ryan (1998) — A gripping depiction of D-Day and the human cost of war. We Were Soldiers (2002) — A moving portrayal of the early days of the Vietnam War. The Longest Day (1962) — A classic retelling of the D-Day invasion. Reading military memoirs, such as Lone Survivor by Marcus


Luttrell or Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley, is another way to gain a deeper appreciation for the experiences of those who serve.


©ISTOCK


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