Memorial Day is many things to many people. For most American citizens, it is a welcome reprieve from a Monday of work. For a small sliver of Americans, it is a solemn reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by men and women throughout generations to keep our nation safe. As we approach this Memorial Day, let’s absolutely have fun, but let’s also take a moment to remember what we’re commemorating. Here are three tips:

1) Don’t thank veterans for their service on Memorial Day – save that for Veterans Day. Memorial Day is about those veterans that did not make it home. It is a somber time for those of us who survived war and we’d rather any gratitude be given to those that paid the ultimate price. 

2) Don’t be afraid to ask veterans about those they lost. There’s a common belief among war veterans that our brothers and sisters that fell in battle never truly die until their names are no longer spoken and tales no longer told. Give us a chance to speak of their bravery and sacrifice.

3) Use Memorial Day to teach your kids about service, selflessness and sacrifice. Today more than ever, our younger generations need role models that they can model their behavior off of. Who better than the men and women who volunteered to serve their nation? 

READ MORE STORIES THAT MOVE HUMANITY FORWARD

READ MORE STORIES THAT MOVE HUMANITY FORWARD

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