Celebrating Patriotic Holidays in a Different Way

Holidays give everyone an opportunity to take a step back from their hectic schedule and busy lives to spend time with family and loved ones. Celebrating holidays in the correct spirit sometimes takes a little effort. Holidays are about more than just sleeping in or going to the big game. Celebrating important occasions as a family helps build strong bonds and passes on important values to the next generations.

Celebrating the Holiday in the Proper Spirit

The original meanings of three important holidays in particular are often overlooked in favor of more personal pursuits. Though there is nothing wrong with having a happy or lighthearted celebration, keeping the meaning of Independence Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day in mind is also important.

• Independence Day – This federal holiday takes place on July 4 and commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This was the day when a new country announced its arrival as an independent political entity and not as a colony of another nation. This holiday is celebrated with fireworks and parades. This is an occasion to reflect on the patriotic values of freedom, liberty, equality, and independence. Though this is a festive holiday, it is important to remember that many people have died to protect these values. Raising flags, visiting family graves, and thanking veterans for their service can be part of your personal Independence Day observations.
   
• Veterans Day – This day in particular celebrates the men and women who participated in military service. If you have a veteran in your immediate family, this is a great time to come together and share special memories of service and sacrifice. If a community center or veterans’ organization is putting on a program celebrating service members, try to attend. This is a wonderful way to support meaningful celebrating of this important day. Some churches also hold special services for Veterans Day on the Sunday before the holiday is observed. If you are a member of a congregation, make a special point to attend these services.
   
• Memorial Day – Today Memorial Day is celebrated with big sales at retail outlets and with a day off from work. You can participate in meaningful Memorial Day observations even while enjoying a break from the daily commute. Cemetery managers generally place small flags throughout the grounds or on the graves of service members in particular. Visiting a local cemetery can actually be a very pleasant way of connecting with the military service history of your local community; you might be surprised to discover just how many people have chosen to serve. Some municipalities hold parades or other civic observances to honor the service members who have given their lives in the line of duty. Memorial Day is also very important to the family members of police officers, fire fighters, and other civil servants who face danger so others can rest easy.

A Time for Reflection and Contemplation

These three holidays can be observed with festive parties, cookouts, and parades. They can also be celebrated with solemnity and quiet reflection. No matter which way you choose to celebrate, keep the original meaning of these special holidays in mind. Thank your veteran friends and neighbors for their service and keep the spirit of these days in your heart all year long.

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