Touching Ways to Honor Your Departed Veteran this Memorial Day

By: VGFS
Monday, May 17, 2021

America’s military heroes make tremendous sacrifices for our country.

They deserve our deepest gratitude and respect, even after they have passed on. As Memorial Day approaches, we are reminded of the many brave men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms. At Vaughn Greene Funeral Services, we work closely with military families to develop distinguished memorial services and other touching tributes to celebrate their loved ones. While millions of Americans celebrate Memorial Day with barbeques and parties, the holiday can be challenging for those mourning the loss of a military veteran, even if it has been many years since their passing. In this article, we share some meaningful ways to honor veterans and keep those precious memories alive on Memorial Day.

Wear something red or buy a poppy

Inspired by the 1915 poem "In Flanders Fields", the red poppy is worn on Memorial Day to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation's uniform. The American Legion even adopted this crimson flower as its official symbol of remembrance in 1920. Today, veterans are often located outside of supermarkets and convenience stores on Memorial Day weekend, offering handmade red poppies crafted from paper. If you spot a veteran seated at a "red poppy post" please offer a generous donation and proudly wear it in honor of your loved one. You can also try your hand at crafting your own paper poppy or don a red garment or other seasonal flower to indicate your remembrance.

Extend your thanks

One of the most meaningful ways you can honor the memory of a departed veteran on Memorial Day is by simply expressing your sincere appreciation to living veterans and those who are actively serving in the United States Armed Forces. Whether it’s a friend, family member, neighbor, or stranger you see in a store or at the airport, make a point to express your gratitude by saying, "Thank you for your service!"

Pause for quiet reflection                                                                                                                                    In

2000, the National Moment of Remembrance resolution was passed. It asks that all Americans “voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of Remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps” at 3 PM on Memorial Day. During this time, take a few minutes to reflect on the sacrifices made by military men and women to secure our freedom and salute those who have given their all to defend our nation.

Pay a visit

A moving way to honor a departed veteran this Memorial Day is by visiting his or her gravesite, the spot where his or her cremated remains were scattered, or some other location of significance. While you are there, remove any debris from the resting place and leave a fresh floral bouquet and/or an American flag to denote your remembrance.

The caring professionals at Vaughn Greene Funeral Services have decades of experience honoring our nation’s military members. If you need assistance planning a funeral for a beloved service member or are seeking additional ways to pay tribute to a departed veteran, please contact us. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 20 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

How Much Do You Really Know About Cold and Flu Season?

The chill of winter is in the air, and that means the cold and flu season can’t be far behind. You may think you're savvy about avoiding seasonal illnesses, but how much do you really know about h...

Funeral Food Fusion: Seven Tips for Combining Comfort and Culture

Through the act of breaking bread together, funeral food becomes a symbol of shared grief and strength. Amid loss, food is often used as a way to connect with one another, express sympathy, and he...

Military Funeral Traditions: Seven Ways to Remember America's Heroes on Veterans’ Day

Veterans’ Day presents an opportunity to express gratitude for those who have selflessly served in the United States armed forces. To ensure that the memory of these heroes lives on, it's fitting ...

The Best and Worst Sources of Protein, According to Nutritional Experts

From plant-based to animal-derived, sources of protein range from exceptional to the less-than-ideal. In the world of nutrition, protein is an undisputed superhero. It is essential for building mu...

Coping With Grief After Sudden Loss? Here are Seven Important Things to Know

Grief can engulf us when we least expect it, especially after the sudden loss of a loved one. This kind of grief is uniquely intense, plunging us into a confusing world where everything feels unfa...

Plan a Memorable Final Farewell with these Smart Fall Funeral Considerations

Surrounded by autumn's beauty and serenity, fall funeral planning offers special solace to the grieving. With its vibrant leaves and crisp air, autumn brings a sense of comfort, reflection, and no...

Experts Say These Eight Things Can Reduce High Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol is a common health concern, but the good news is that there are ways to tackle it naturally. Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, and maintaining heal...

Returning to Work After a Loved One Passes: Eight Helpful Coping Strategies

When you are returning to work after a loved one passes away, it can be an emotional journey filled with uncertainty. If the prospect of heading back to your workplace after loss feels overwhelmin...

How Should You Choose the Day and Time of the Funeral?

When bidding farewell to a cherished family member or friend, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is selecting the appropriate day and time of the funeral. Amid the emotional challen...

Celebrating National Alcohol & Drug Recovery Month

This September we celebrate National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Starting in 1989, National Recovery Month was coined to promote and support evidence-based treatment and recovery...