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Memorial Day, celebrated on the first Monday in June, is often considered the unofficial start of summer in the United States. It’s the time of year when the weather is perfect for creating unforgettable memories at the beach, gathered around the barbecue grill, or on vacation with friends and family. However, it’s important to remember that Memorial Day is not just about the good times we share with loved ones but a day to reflect and honor the American military service men and women who sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Memorial Day became an official American federal holiday during the Vietnam War in 1971 when 47,434 soldiers lost their lives. Since then, the country has seen even more wars, including the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan, where thousands of lives were lost. Memorial Day is a time to commemorate and honor these military service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The people who choose to join the military are not just courageous but are the epitome of selflessness and patriotism. Each member of the armed forces reminds us how fortunate we are to have people willing to serve our country and even give their lives for it. As of January 2023, there are approximately 1.35 million active-duty men and women in the United States military. On Memorial Day, we honor and reflect on the lives of the many servicemembers who are no longer with us. For businesses interested in recognizing this day, here are a few tips to respectfully honor and remember our fallen soldiers.
Offer discounts for military
Consider offering discounts to all active and retired military personnel who shop in your store. This could be a certain percentage off specific items or their entire purchase. Whatever you decide, it will not only be appreciated but will also be considered a small token of your gratitude for their willingness and selflessness to serve.
Donate
There are numerous charities dedicated to supporting military families who have lost a loved one. These organizations cater to the specific needs of grieving military families, offering assistance to children who have lost a parent, providing mental health support, and helping with day-to-day medical expenses. Donating on behalf of your organization is a great way to encourage everyone on your team to contribute this Memorial Day.
Participate
Remember to support your local community this Memorial Day by giving your time. Across the country, parades and tributes honor the day’s significance. You can participate in local opportunities to help with these events. These meaningful activities can be done with a group or individually.
Decorate
After the Civil War ended in 1868, a group of veterans established Decoration Day, where they decorated and cleaned the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. Years later, Decoration Day evolved into what we know as Memorial Day. To honor this tradition, you could take your team to a military cemetery and help clean up the headstones, similar to how fallen soldiers were honored in the late 1800s.
Wave your flags
The United States flag is an important symbol in American culture and military. The colors red, white, and blue are prevalent throughout this holiday. Businesses wishing to commemorate the day should fly their flag at half-mast until noon, and then raise it to full staff for the rest of the day.
Americans live in a country where freedom is our right. These freedoms are accessible not just to us personally but also to our business owners. At Credico, we thank, reflect, and remember all the men and women who served and sacrificed so that we can live and be all we can be.