Go Beyond

On Memorial Day, Americans will visit monuments and cemeteries to honor those who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy. Parades and marching bands will make their way down many main streets in cities large and small throughout the country. Americans will fire up their barbecue grills or go to parks for family picnics. Whatever you do on Memorial Day, please be sure to set aside some time to help your children and grandchildren understand the reason we observe Memorial Day.

M= Meaning | We observe Memorial Day on the last Monday in May. Teach your children the meaning of Memorial Day — the day we remember those who gave their lives fighting for our freedom.

E = Educate | Teach your children and grandchildren about your personal family military history. Tell them about family members who served in the military and any who lost their lives while serving.

M = Mount | Mount an American flag in your yard or purchase several small American flags and place them on the graves of soldiers at a local cemetery. Buy small flags to give to neighbors.

O = Ownership | Take ownership of Memorial Day even if no one in your family has served in the military. The men and women who gave their lives did so to secure your freedoms. Honor them by observing Memorial Day.

R = Reach | Reach out to a family who lost a loved one in military service. Perhaps you can write a letter to a family who lost a son or daughter or place a flag and flowers upon their grave.

I = Internet | Search the internet for information on Memorial Day. Visit the Vietnam Memorial online or other sites to help your children learn about the sacrifices made by others for our freedom.

A = Ask | Ask God to continue to bless America. Pray for the families of those who have lost loved ones in military service. Pray for those presently serving in our armed forces.

L = Live | Encourage your children to live each day with gratitude and appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy. Purpose that you will not take this precious freedom for granted.

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Note | I recently watched the movie Taking Chance and could not hold back the tears. Kevin Bacon stars in this movie based on the true story of Lt. Col. Michael Strobl who escorted the remains of Chance Phelps, a young Marine killed in Iraq, back home to his family for burial. This movie is worth watching on Memorial Day or any day. Please take a moment to read my post entitled Taking Chance.