Memorial Day is a time to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. It’s a day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude. As we enjoy our long weekend, it’s important to remember the true meaning behind this significant holiday. Though I’m fortunate that my enlisted family members all made it home safely, many have not. This weekend, we pay tribute to them.

Ways to Observe Memorial Day

There are many ways to observe Memorial Day, each providing an opportunity to honor our fallen heroes. Here are a few suggestions to consider:

• Visit a Cemetery: Pay respects by visiting a local cemetery and placing flowers or flags on the graves of veterans.

• Attend a Memorial Service: Participate in a local Memorial Day service to honor those who have served. You can do this independently, or contact your local city or town.

• Fly the Flag: Display the American flag at half-staff until noon, then raise it to the top of the staff until sunset.

• Moment of Silence: Observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time to remember and honor the fallen.

• Support a Veteran: Donate to a veteran’s organization or spend time with a veteran to show your appreciation. If you’re unsure of how to get started, contact your local VFW.

• Go to a Parade: Participate in or attend a local parade to honor those that have served with your local community. I was fortunate enough to work at last year’s Rehoboth parade, and I can tell you that having a front row seat is humbling…it’s beautiful to see a community band together in memory and celebration of our freedom.

Local Parade Listing

Here’s a partial list of Memorial Day parades happening in our local communities:

Attleboro: Monday 10:00 a.m. stepping off on Hayward St. –  https://facebook.com/events/s/city-of-attleboro-memorial-day/340728201984696/

North Attleboro: Saturday 10:00 a.m. stepping off at Baptist Common – https://facebook.com/events/s/north-attleboro-memorial-day-p/290465424136474/

Berkley: Monday 10:00 a.m. Berkley Common –https://www.townofberkleyma.com/home/news/memorial-day-parade-monday-may-27-2024-10am-1130am-berkley-common

Norton: Monday 10:00 a.m. stepping off from Henri Yelle School –https://www.nortonma.org/veterans-services/events/147676

Raynham: Saturday 10 a.m. Merrill School – https://facebook.com/events/s/10th-annual-raynham-memorial-d/739195071615297/

Rehoboth: Monday 10:00 a.m. American Legion, Bay State Road. Ceremony to follow. – https://www.reportertoday.com/rehoboth/rehoboth/stories/rehoboths-memorial-day-parade-may-27-2024,44172

Seekonk: Saturday 10:00 a.m. stepping off from Seekonk High School https://facebook.com/events/s/seekonk-memorial-day-parade/438544485203586/

Somerset: Monday 10:00 a.m. stepping off from Luther Avenue (SBHS) ending at the VFW – https://www.townofsomerset.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=25

Swansea: Monday 1:00 p.m. stepping off from St. Francis of Assisi Church, Gardner’s Neck Road – https://jgpr.net/2024/05/23/town-of-swansea-invites-residents-to-celebrate-memorial-day-ceremony-and-parade/

Taunton: Monday 11:00 Broadway@Dartmouth St. – https://facebook.com/events/s/city-of-taunton-memorial-day-p/1820618458432470/

Did you know?

Memorial Day originated after the Civil War as Decoration Day, when citizens would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. Over time, it evolved into a national day of remembrance, and in 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday of May. This shift allowed for a three-day weekend, providing us with the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by our service members.

So take this weekend to reflect and remember. 

Memorial Day is more than just a day off work or an excuse for a barbecue. It’s a solemn reminder of the cost of our freedom and an opportunity to show our appreciation for the heroes who gave their lives in service to our country. Whether you’re attending a local event or spending a quiet moment of reflection at home, take time this Memorial Day to remember and honor our fallen heroes.

The best way to honor them is to live our lives with gratitude and to strive to be worthy of their sacrifice. Happy Memorial Day, and may we never forget those who have made our freedom possible.

Stay safe out there!