Remembering the meaning of Memorial Day

I am always humbled by the solemnness of a Memorial Day service. A lone tap on the drum keeps time for the marching band to wind its way into the cemetery as those gathered remain silent in respect. Sometimes, the flag whipping in the wind is all that’s heard for a few moments before the service begins.

Memorial Day services are held to honor, remember and mourn the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. Observed on the last Monday of May, this day serves as a national moment of reflection to acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice made by service members in both war and peacetime.

Attending a service is a meaningful way to honor Memorial Day. Originally called Decoration Day, it was formalized by a “Memorial Day order” issued by Grand Army of the Republic Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan in 1868.

It is a federal holiday and a chance for family and friends to gather for picnics and graduation parties, but I hope during all the celebration, we can take the time to serve those who served.

Here are some other ways to honor Memorial Day:

—Attend a parade or Memorial Day event. This is a great way to honor veterans with your presence. Parades also are a way to engage children and help them understand the significance of the holiday.

—Fly the American flag using proper mourning etiquette. On Memorial Day, the American flag should be displayed at half-staff from morning to noon and at full staff from noon to sunset.

—Mark the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day. Congress created the National Moment in 2000 to make sure our troops are honored on Memorial Day. Every American is asked to pause for just one minute to honor the fallen.

—Visit a historical military landmark or memorial site. Many of the proceeds earned from military museums, parks and similar memorials are donated to veterans or families of late soldiers. A full list of military-themed monuments, memorials and museums can be found at Military.com.

—Keep your family’s personal military history alive. This Memorial Day try to share stories of family members who served in the military. If someone is willing to reminisce, record it or take notes.

—Veterans, please write your own history. It may be difficult to share some experiences. However, your family and our national and future generations can learn from your stories.

—Write a thank-you letter. A simple letter of thanks can be meaningful to a veteran or current member of the armed forces, whether it’s a family member or someone you’ve never met.

—Wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation’s uniform. The red poppy is a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I to honor those who served and died for our country in all wars. It reminds Americans of the sacrifices made by our veterans while protecting our freedoms. Each year members of the American Legion Family distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower donate to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families with medical and financial needs.

I hope you can find some time this Memorial Day to honor those who made our freedom possible.

Laurie Sidle is an Ohio State University Extension family and consumer sciences and 4-H program assistant and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or sidle.31@osu.edu.