Memorial Day originated after World War I and became an official holiday in 1971. Congress expanded this holiday to honor all Americans who have died while fighting for our country. This holiday is usually celebrated with rallies, parades, and memorial services. Arlington Cemetery is decorated with American flags on all gravestones. Memorial Day is an important day to take a moment to appreciate what is sacrificed by so many to protect and serve our great country.
The warmer months of the year are finally here and the end May brings Memorial Day, which is traditionally celebrated to mark the unofficial start of summer. While the holiday is a great reason for friends, fun, and barbecues, it is important to remember the real reason for the day. Many men and women have lost their lives while fighting for our country to keep us free. We need to take a moment to thank those who sacrificed so much so that we can live free. A very simple way to show your respect and to honor our heroes is to purchase a poppy from a VFW veteran. The veteran will surely feel your gratitude when you pay for your poppy. This little reminder can be tied to your rearview mirror, purse, or worn attached to your shirt. Memorial Day isn’t just about kicking off summer and hosting a party; it all starts with those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep America free.
This Memorial Day, make sure that your red, white and blue are waving proud this weekend. If your flag has been out of commission, now is the time to make it a priority to repair and hang it proudly. The National Moment of Remembrance is broadcast on Memorial Day. Take a moment to pay your respects with awareness or prayer. One way of honoring heroes on Memorial Day it to attend a local service, ceremony or parade hosted by the city. Many cities also host concerts; this provides a great way to participate and socialize within the community as well. If a local event is not feasible due to weather or health issues, you can also find a concert televised from Capitol Hill.
After the respects have been paid, Memorial Day is considered a fun way to kick off the warmer, summer months. Americans typically celebrate the holiday with cookouts loaded with red, white, and blue. Festive fruits and platters, burgers and hotdogs, are all wonderful food items to include at Memorial Day picnic!
One great way to enjoy the holiday weekend is to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. It has been a very long winter for most parts of the country, and what better way to celebrate the unofficial start of summer than with a relaxing round of golf. Most courses have something for every level of golfer.
If golf is not your idea of a great day in the sunshine, perhaps a hike on a nearby trail or a bike ride through your neighborhood would be a refreshing way to spend the day. Nature walking is a leisure recreational activity that can be fun for people of all ages. An online search of local parks and recreation can direct you to the closest nature trail and parks near Santa Barbara.
If an elderly loved one would like to participate in the festivities, be sure that their safety is priority. Remember to have plenty of refreshments to prevent dehydration if the temperature is high. Remind an elderly loved one to wear sunscreen and a hat to prevent sunburn and seek shade whenever possible. Above all else, remember to enjoy each other and have a good time creating new memories!
The compassionate senior care specialists at Senior Helpers of Santa Barbara can also guide you through the process of receiving the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Benefit if your elderly loved one is a veteran. In home senior care allows your loved one to stay in the comforts of their own home for as long as possible while receiving the level of care they need. Senior Helpers of Santa Barbara, 805-687-7777, provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal assistance, companionship, and so much more to all areas of Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc, Santa Ynez, and Carpinteria, California.