Touching Ways to Honor Your Departed Veteran this Memorial Day

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!"

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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/.