Helping Kids Stand Up to Bullies

5 Ways to Honor Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice  

Fresh off the heels of Armed Forces Day, we approach another meaningful patriotic day of recognition in Memorial Day.   

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of every May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.  Originally known as Decoration Day, it started in the years following the Civil War (mourners would ‘decorate’ the graves of those killed) and became an official federal holiday nearly a century later in 1971.  

Memorial Day 2019 occurs on Monday, May 27, and unofficially marks the beginning of the summer season with a long weekend ahead of you.  Consider how your workplace can recognize the sacrifice men and women have made for our country and our freedoms.  What can you do to make the most of this special time, and how can you encourage your team to do the same? 

1.      1. In remembrance. 

Many of your employees have family members who have served in the military.  The week prior to the holiday, give them the opportunity to bring in and post pictures and memories of their deceased grandparents, parents, siblings, or other relatives who served.  Kick off the activity yourself, and create a display of memorial photos and messages – one idea is hanging these on a tree for the holiday. 

2.       2. Get social. 

Memorial Day is a day to gather memories from your company’s customers and followers as well.  In your organization’s social media posts, talk about your Memorial Day activities.  Also ask your customers to talk about what Memorial Day means to them and what they are doing to celebrate. 

3. Participate! 

Encourage your workforce to pay their respects to those who have served by attending or watching a Memorial Day parade.  You can also create wreaths and donate them, or fundraise or volunteer for an organization that helps veterans.  If you have a regular volunteer program at your workplace, be sure to continue to highlight volunteer opportunities throughout the year with veteran support organizations. 

4.       4. Support the effort to celebrate family. 

The long weekend with warmer weather offers the perfect opportunity for spending time with family and friends.  The week before, share BBQ or patriotic dessert recipes, or even request patriotic activity/craft ideas for the kiddos.  This will build a sense of community at work, and at home on the actual holiday. 

5. A time for reflection and gratitude. 

As you wish your staff off to a great long weekend, remind them to observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00pm local time on Monday the 27th.  The National Moment of Remembrance, officially recognized since the year 2000 by both a Congressional Resolution and a Presidential Proclamation, designates 3:00pm local time every Memorial Day as an opportunity to pause in an act of national unity for one minute of silence.  Many radio stations observe the moment by playing “Taps.” 

Taking the time to honor and celebrate holidays is a great way to help make the workplace a fun, positive environment.  Set the tone by not only spearheading, but also participating in these suggestions yourself, and your staff will happily follow.  And in the process, this Memorial Day, true heroes will be remembered and recognized as a result of your efforts.