As we prepare to enjoy the holiday weekend, let’s not forget the true meaning of Memorial Day. It is a day to honor the brave men and women who died serving our country.

Just like many other Americans, I consider Memorial Day Weekend a celebration of summer beginning and a time to be together with family. There’s nothing wrong with celebrating summer, having cookouts, and going shopping. But as an Army veteran wife and a daughter to Army veterans, I also know Memorial Day is a special time to honor our fallen heroes.

Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?

Last year, I had written a post about why we celebrate Memorial Day in America. Here are a few reasons I had shared.

To honor the fallen – many men and women fought bravely for our country and died during their time in service. We should take the time to honor them and pay our respects to their great sacrifice.

To honor our country – When we honor the fallen on Memorial Day we are also honoring our country. If it wasn’t for countless numbers of military servicemen and women who serve our country, we would not have the freedoms we enjoy and value today.

To honor people who have lost their loved ones – Many people have lost a loved one who served in the armed forces. Therefore, Memorial Day is a very special time for them to remember their loved ones. When my husband was in the Army, there were times we would hear of Soldiers who had died in combat. It always saddened me because I knew they were leaving behind a family and quite possibly a spouse and children.

I know when you lose a loved one you couldn’t possibly just remember them one day out of the year. Memorial Day is a special time for our country to support people who have lost their loved ones. It is a time for us to come together as a country and show our love and respect for the fallen and their families.

America’s Memory podcast: Stories of the fallen US Military from the war in Afghanistan (PRNewsfoto/Ron White)

Honoring the Fallen Across the Nation

In Arlington, Virginia, the National Guard placed thousands of flags on the graves of veterans. The special occasion is known as “Flags In” and it is a tradition that originated in 1948. You can read more about it here.

At the Arlington National Cemetery, Army Chaplains placed flags in front of four memorials and headstones on Chaplain’s Hill. Flags were also placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. According to USA Today, 14,000 flags were placed at the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery. Here’s the article if you’d like to read more about the way the military honors our fallen heroes.

The Wounded Warrior Project partnered with The Memorial Day Foundation to place red flower bouquets at war memorials in New York City and other cities around the United States. The color red represents the blood of fallen service members.

In Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. Navy veteran Ron White launched a podcast to tell the stories of the Fallen from the war in Afghanistan. According to Mr. White, in the first episode, you will hear the story of the Afghanistan Memory Wall. The second episode will feature letters from 1LT Todd Weaver who wrote letters to his wife Emma and their daughter. Emma received 1LT Weaver’s letters upon his death. You can listen to the podcast here if you’d like to learn more.

Here’s an article from FOX 2 in Metro Detroit about “Memorial Day through the eyes of those who served”. U.S. Navy Veterans John Williams and Gary Martin share their thoughts on Memorial Day. An original Rosie the Riveter also shares her memories of working in the airplane factory during the war.

As you can see, many different organizations and people across the nation are taking time to honor the Fallen in their own special way. Celebrating summer and spending time with our loved ones is a great way to spend the Memorial Day Weekend, but let’s also take a moment to remember the brave men and women who died fighting for our freedom.

Hope you have a blessed weekend!

Jennifer xoxo

How are you celebrating Memorial Day this weekend?

Here are the posts that were featured on Good Life Detroit this week:

Eastern Market’s Flower Day Has Inspired Me to Give Gardening a Try

Gwen Stefani: Just A Girl About to Take Over Las Vegas

Fun, Stylish Rain Boots for a Rainy Day

Five Things Worth Sharing (5.24.2018)

Feature Image: This Memorial Day, red poppies will be laid at war memorials across the country. Wounded Warrior Project will take veterans to remember the fallen in New York Monday. (PRNewsfoto/Wounded Warrior Project)

Written by

Jennifer Hamra

Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].