Saturday, May 24, 2025

Are you ready for summer? Cookouts, swimming, and fun with friends are just around the corner and the long Memorial Day Weekend is the typical kick off to the summer season.

But as awesome as an extra day off work is, this holiday is more than just barbecues with friends or extra days at the lake. Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember the lives given for these freedoms and blessings we enjoy.

You might be wondering how you can honor the men and women who gave their life for their country. Below are a few ideas that you can partake in with family and friends.

Take a moment of silence and prayer

As you gather together this weekend, plan to take a moment of silence at 3pm, your local time on Memorial Day, to participate in The National Moment of Remembrance. As you pause, take time to thank God for each man and woman who gave their life for the freedoms we enjoy in this country. Also pray for the families who lost a loved one.

Visit or decorate graves of the fallen.

Carve out time this weekend to pay your respects to fallen troops. You could attend a parade or even make a donation at Memorial Day Flowers, a national foundation that places a flower on the graves of soldiers.

If you’d like to attend a local parade, below are a few options or check with your local American Legion.

https://visitperrysburg.com/events/memorial-day-parade

https://toledocitypaper.com/calendar/details/2025-memorial-day-parade-ceremony/15363737/2025-05-26T10

Visit a National Park

Memorial day weekend is a great time for a road trip. Consider visiting a national park that centers around a battle. Locally, you can check out Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.

https://www.nps.gov/pevi/index.htm

Although Memorial Day is specifically to remember the fallen, it is also a great day to honor those who served our nation. Here are a few ideas to consider.

Shop at a veteran owned business

If you plan to shop or eat out over the weekend, consider supporting a business that is owned and operated by veterans or military families. Here is a list to help you find something locally,

Listen to veterans' stories

Take time to listen to stories from active military members and veterans through Storycorps oral history. You could also read memoirs like Band of Brothers, Guts 'n Gunships or The Things They Cannot Say or watch a movie like Black Hawk Down or The Hurt Locker to gain appreciation for the sacrifice made by these brave men and women. After doing so, reflect on what you learned and pray for our troops.

Regardless of which you choose to do, each of these activities provides an opportunity to pause and express gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. How will you honor those who gave their life for the tremendous freedoms we enjoy?