Memorial Day 2006 Article

Memorial Day Traditions

Memorial Day is a day that is set aside each year to honor those people who served in the military to protect our country and died as a result of that service. Although many people treat Memorial Day as a time to honor all their deceased friends and relatives, this is not the true spirit behind Memorial Day, as it was meant for those who were in the military. There are many traditions that surround Memorial Day, and this article will present some of the most common traditions that are associated with this holiday.

One of the most popular traditions that people participate in on Memorial Day is to visit the grave site monuments of people who have died in service and adorn them with various types of flower and plant arrangements. These types of arrangements are referred to as "cemetery logs." It is customary to adorn grave site monuments with live flowers. However, in many places, the weather may not permit for this type of arrangement, and so one may place artificial arrangements on the grave site monuments in such cases.

Many families also gather together to honor their ancestors that passed away in the line of duty. Families may or may not know a lot about these individuals. If families do not know a lot about their ancestors that passed away while in the service, they will gather together to learn as much as they can about their relatives. This is a great way to honor the people in your family that passed away while providing a service to our country, and to celebrate Memorial Day.

Many people will plan a Memorial Day trip to a temple or a church. Temples and churches often have many activities that surround remembering the deceased in service. Some of the services that may be experienced at these events may include candlelight services, prayers, meditations, and maybe even various speeches about Memorial Day. Many families are permitted to stand up and personally honor those who have passed away while performing a service to the United States of America.

Another Memorial Day tradition is to gather together to share stories about a friend and/or family member that had died in the line of duty. Once the Memorial Day ceremony is complete, a meal and drinks may be provided. Sometimes, at these types of ceremonies, the people may gather together and make a dedication to the deceased. These types of dedications may include planting a tree, dedicating a garden, or erecting an actual monument to glorify the deceased.

There are many types of Memorial Day traditions that are observed across the country by various people. This is a day that is set aside to honor and uphold those people who have died serving our country. Many people celebrate with very creative ways. The way that you celebrate Memorial Day is up to you, but remember not to lose sight of the ultimate meaning of the Memorial Day holiday.