Many Americans celebrate Memorial Day with hot dogs, family gatherings, and a relaxing three-day weekend. While there’s nothing wrong with these contemporary rituals, let’s not forget the intent behind the day: to remember the many American servicemen and servicewomen who have died to keep our country safe and protected. Today, as we honor them, let’s talk about the history of Memorial Day and how you can give back to the many families currently serving our nation.
History of Memorial Day
There is some disagreement as to the true birthplace of Memorial Day. Of course, humans have used ceremony to honor those who have died in battle for hundreds, possibly thousands, of years. However, the most prevalent theory on the roots of the American holiday dates back to 1868, when Major Gen. John A. Logan designated May 30th as Decoration Day, a day on which the graves of Civil War soldiers would be commemorated.
Other stories place the holiday’s origins in Charleston, SC, Waterloo, NY, or Columbus, GA, around a similar time. No matter where it started, it’s safe to say that in the aftermath of the Civil War, which caused more American deaths than any other armed conflict, many people in various places were looking for ways to honor those who died in combat. But it wasn’t until 1971, more than a century later, that Memorial Day became an official holiday that was marked by the last Monday of May.
5 Ways to Honor the Fallen
While it’s perfectly fine to usher in the summer season with cookouts and kicking back at the pool, we should also remember that Memorial Day is about so much more.
There are many ways you can honor our nation’s fallen heroes. You could take a few moments of silence to reflect and appreciate the freedoms we enjoy or visit one of the country’s many national cemeteries. But if you’d like to take your remembrance a step further this year, one of the best ways to honor those who have died is to serve the living in their name.
Below, you will find several organizations that actively support those who are currently serving our nation. Partnering with these groups will serve as a beautiful tribute to the servicemembers who have died in service to our nation.
1. Donate to Help Grieving Families
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) provides care for families who are grieving the loss of a veteran or active-duty member of the Armed Forces. They provide around-the-clock support and resources to grieving family members. Through their Good Grief camps and Survivor’s Seminars, TAPS helps loved ones process their grief and gives them the tools they need to make it through a difficult time. Widows and widowers, parents, siblings, and children have all benefited from the extraordinary work that TAPS does. Consider donating to this organization to make a difference in the life of someone who is grieving.
2. Donate to Help the Children of Fallen Patriots
Children of Fallen Patriots is dedicated to looking after the children of soldiers who have died in service. They provide scholarships, educational assistance, and career support. Their work ensures that children receive the educational opportunities they need to thrive. Donating to this organization is a great way to honor the memory of servicemembers who have died during military service and to ensure that their loved ones receive the proper care and attention.
3. Donate to Help Injured Veterans
Wounded Warrior Project provides free aid in the form of mental and physical health services, benefits advice, and career counseling to veterans who were wounded post-9/11. Through free programs and events, they offer a helping hand and work to increase veterans’ quality of life after injury. They also provide support to the concerned families of wounded veterans and offer programs to help them walk through a difficult period of life with their loved ones. Start a fundraiser or donate personally to ensure that this charity continues to do great work.
4. Volunteer to Provide Yard Care
Project EverGreen provides lawn services to the families of soldiers who are currently deployed. They mow, trim, and fertilize lawns. Snow and ice removal services are also available. Project EverGreen also partners with “I Want to Mow Your Lawn” to provide lawn services for disabled and 65+ veterans. You can sign up to volunteer in any state. By taking some time out of your day to work up a little sweat, you could be an enormous help to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.
5. Send a Care Package
Operation Gratitude sends care packages to veterans and active-duty service members. Care packages remind current and former members of our Armed Forces that we haven’t forgotten the sacrifices that they’ve made. You can donate to the cost of materials for care packages. Alternatively, you can contact Operation Gratitude directly to ask about other volunteer opportunities.
Other Organizations to Consider
It would take quite some time to discuss every organization you could partner with. Click the links below to learn about additional charities to honor, remember, and assist military members and their families.
- Wreaths Across America (places Christmas wreaths on military graves)
- K9s for Warriors (pairs suffering veterans with a service dog)
- Fisher House (provides a temporary home while a loved one is in hospital)
- Semper Fi & America’s Fund (cares for the critically wounded, ill, and injured)
- Operation Homefront (provides critical financial support to military families)
- Gary Sinise Foundation (focuses on a wide variety of needs)
- USO (connects service members around the world to strengthen well-being)
- Homes for Our Troops (builds custom homes for severely injured veterans)
This is far from an exhaustive list. If you know of another organization that honors veterans and/or service members, consider donating to it. Let this Memorial Day be a catalyst for action and an opportunity to do a little something for those who have done so much for us.
