Memorial Day weekend is viewed by many as the start of the summer holiday, but it’s about more than just bar-b-ques, potato salad, and marshmallows by the fire. There is a serious and sober meaning behind the holiday, and it is important that we teach it to our children.

Memorial Day was originally started on May 30th, 1868, by Union General John A. Logan. He declared that day as a day to decorate and remember the graves of Civil War soldiers. In 1950, the President issued a proclamation calling on Americans to observe Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace. In 1971, President Nixon declared Memorial Day a federal holiday, and it is known as an occasion to honor the men and women who died in all wars. In other words, it is a day to “Remember Those Who Served”.

You may or may not know a veteran yourself, but there are ways that your family can honor the men and women who served in your community:

• Thank a veteran
• Fly the U.S. flag at half-staff until noon.
• Visit a monument dedicated soldiers, sailors or marines.
• Join a parade
• Put flowers or flags on the graves of men and women who served in the military.
• At 3 pm, participate in the National Moment of Remembrance
• Teach others about the true meaning of memorial day
• Visit a veterans facility and just take a moment to visit and thank the people you see there.

There are many ways that you can honor veterans and celebrate the true meaning of Memorial Day.