Remembering Our Fallen Heroes

Memorial Day usually means a day off, time to relax, barbecues, the beach, and time with friends. But, I hope on this Memorial Day you also take time to remember the significance of the day – honoring the men and women who have served our country and given their lives for our freedom.

And as we enjoy this extended weekend, let's keep in mind that many families will feel loss.

It is an especially sobering day for me. My brother died during the Vietnam war. That loss forever changed our family. And this year, I won't be with my 97-year-old father to place flowers on my brother's grave. Living away from our family home has made this not possible to do anymore. My mom, who has gone to be with the Lord, and my dad always took us to the military part of cemetery to decorate graves. It's a sobering time to remember the great sacrifice so many families have made.

And because I used to live in a military town, I am acutely aware of all the families that lost loved ones during recent wars. Their sacrifice for our freedom needs to be honored and remembered.

If you're looking for a way to show your respect, to honor those who have fallen, here are 10 suggestions to consider:

1) Explain the significance of Memorial Day to your kids. Unless you tell them the significance of the day, they will only see it as a day for picnics and fun.

2) Fly the American flag at half-mast.

3) Visit a war museum or memorial.

4) Place a red poppy on the grave of a veteran (a symbol of the blood of heroes that never dies).

5) Take a moment for a silent prayer and pray for those still in harm's way.

6) Attend a parade or religious service honoring our fallen soldiers.

7) Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance (pause at 3:00 p.m. in your time zone).

8) Give a donation to a veteran charity such as the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

9) Sponsor a thank you bouquet through the National Memorial Day Foundation. You can dedicate your bouquet to a fallen soldier.

10) Ask your school to be involved in the Adopt a Grave program. The school takes care of a grave of a fallen soldier by keeping it clean and placing flowers on it.

There aren't enough words to express the gratitude we feel to those who bravely fought for our freedom. Thank you to all the soldiers and the families who support them. Your sacrifice is deeply appreciated.