The Do's and Don'ts of Memorial Day
It's Memorial Day and of course, we're all stuck inside to keep from catching a potentially deadly disease. But today is not just the official start of the summer season or the day to catch those big sales. It is the day we as Americans should remember and honor the dead who served their country. So what can you do to honor the day? Here are some ideas I've found using my Google Fu as well as the rules of etiquette for the day.
What To Do on Memorial Day
1. Make a chalk mural on your sidewalk or driveway honoring the servicemen and women we lost. If your family has lost someone who served, why not dedicate the mural to them?
2. Post a tribute to the fallen on social media
3. Listen to the stories of those who served via StoryCorps
4. Stream some war movies like:
Apocalypse Now
Megan Leavey (the story of a Marine Corporal and her combat dog)
Black Hawk Down
Born on the Fourth of July
The Best Years of Our Lives (servicemen struggle to readjust to civilian life at the end of WWII)
The Longest Day
D-Day
Saving Private Ryan
5. Check out a virtual event online such as the following:
The National Memorial Day Concert hosted by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise will feature music, documentaries and readings honoring the country's servicemen and women. It will also pay tribute to those battling Covid-19 on the front lines. It starts Sunday at 7pm on PBS and will also be streaming on PBS.org, YouTube, and Facebook.
Ancestry.com is hosting a virtual Parade of Heroes with Kathie Lee Gifford to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. The event starts Monday at 10am on Facebook. Anyone wishing to add their veteran to the parade can post a photo on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag Ancestry in the photo and add #RememberAtHome.
The Virtual White House tour provides facts about everything from the architecture and history to events that happened in each room.
Arlington Cemetery has a virtual exhibit commemorating its 100th anniversary.
The Vietnam Veterans Fund is hosting a virtual event Monday at 1pm EST.
What Not To Do on Memorial Day
Do not thank the troops for their service. I mean, if you do it every day then by all means continue but don't go out of your way because of this particular day. Memorial Day and Veterans Day are not interchangeable though many people get them confused.
And whatever you do...
Do NOT wish anyone Happy Memorial Day. This is a day to honor, remember, and commemorate the fallen. It is not a day of celebration or joy. Leave that for the fourth of July and Veterans Day.
The Do's and Don'ts of flying the flag according to the US Flag Code:
DO hang the flag vertically either from a window or against a wall with the stars going on your left.
DON'T hang it backwards or upside or dip it to salute any person or thing.
DO fly the flag at half-staff from sunrise to noon on Memorial Day. Also, when the nation is mourning or in remembrance.
DON'T let the flag touch the ground, floor, or water. If it does, make sure it is in good clean condition before flying it again.
DO dispose an unserviceable flag in a respectful, discreet, and ceremonial manner. Or you can contact the American Legion, a VA hospital, or local Scout troop to do the honors.
DON'T fly the flag at night unless it is illuminated properly. Nor should it be flown during inclement weather unless it's an all-weather flag made of non-absorbent material like nylon.
DO wear flag pins to show your patriotism.
DON'T wear the flag as clothing. Though not illegal, it is considered disrespectful to wear clothing, costumes, athletic uniforms, bedding, cushions, handkerchiefs and disposable items that feature the flag. The flag should also never be used as a ceiling cover nor should it ever bear the mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture or drawing of anything.
