Happy Memorial Day from our family to yours! Today let us remember the brave men and women who courageously gave their lives for our country. As we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, may we never forget that freedom is not free.
Memorial Day parades are canceled. Large parties and celebrations are limited. Visits to memorials and cemeteries are difficult. So how in the time of COVID-19, should we honor our fallen heroes?
Here are some suggestions:
~ Watch the 31st Annual Memorial Day concert on Sunday evening at 8 PM EST. Usually held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol this year's concert will be broadcast on PBS with performances from Broadway and Country music stars as well as the United States Army Field Band, Chorus, and the United States Air Force Singing Sergeants among others. Broadcast will also be livestreamed on PBS.org, as well as on PBS' Youtube and Facebook pages. Read here for more information.
~ Sing or play the "Star Spangled Banner" from your driveway, porch or front lawn together as a family.
~ Take a virtual tour of the United States Veterans and War Memorials. If you live in DC, memorials and monuments remain open to visitors.
~ No matter where you live in the country, take a moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time for The National Moment of Remembrance. For at least one minute, send your thanks, love, and prayers to active soldiers, veterans, and the many men and women who died serving our country.
~ Learn more about the history of Memorial Day — why it's important and the true meaning of the holiday. This video below produced by the Veteran's Administration on the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War is very informative.
~ If you're living in a state or region where restrictions are easing up, invite another family in your neighborhood over for a potluck and grill some burgers and dogs. Now more than ever do we need to seize these opportunities to socialize, enjoy the outdoors, and let our kids be kids. If it is going to be warm where you live, try out this fun cocktail — the Red, White and Blue Frozen Sangria. And to add more fun to the day, you could try out these Patriotic Jello Shots.
~ Once you've grilled all the burgers you can eat, sung the "Star Spangled Banner", and spent time with family and friends, relax and watch a patriotic movie. Here are some of my favorites (not all of them are war/victory movies but all represent something to me that is exceptional about America):
The Patriot with Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger
American Sniper with Bradley Cooper
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington with Jimmy Stewart
Miracle with Kurt Russell
Gettysburg with Tom Berenger and Martin Sheen
Hacksaw Ridge with Andrew Garfield and Sam Worthington
The Long Road Home (TV Mini Series from Nat Geo on Iraq War)
Independence Day with Will Smith (this one is for fun)
~ And on a final note, watch this moving speech from President Ronald Reagan. Here he grew emotional describing the sacrifices of the brave men and women who gave what Lincoln called “the last full measure of devotion.”
In memory of many, in honor of all. Thank you, Happy Memorial Day and God's blessings to you and all your loved ones.
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