Originally called Decoration Day, what we now know as Memorial Day, was created after the Civil War. More than half a million soldiers lost their lives and created a need for the country’s first national cemeteries.

Americans across the country began holding rituals each spring to honor the lost soldiers by decorating their graves.

In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act and Memorial Day was recognized as the last Monday in May.

Families across the country have many different ways of honoring this day. The most important thing is to remember that it is a day to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Here are 5 Powerful Ways to Honor the Fallen this Memorial Day.

1. Listen to Veteran Stories
   • Many of us know Veterans personally, Memorial Day is a great way to start a conversation and truly listen to their stories.  If you don’t know a Veteran, Storycorps has an incredible resource of recorded stories of Active Duty Military members and Veterans.

2. Write Letters to Soldiers and their Families

• • Today is a great day to take some time with your family to write handwritten notes to active American soldiers and veterans.  You can mail them to the address below and they will be sent to deployed soldiers:
    HOOAH
    c/o Memorial Day
    14960 Collier Blvd #3092
    Naples, FL 34119

3. Create some Patriotic Sidewalk Chalk Art

• • From the American Flag to the Statue of Liberty, sidewalk chalk art is a family friendly activity that will help the neighborhood understand the real meaning of Memorial Day

4. Take a Moment of Silence

• • No matter where you live in the country, take a moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time for The National Moment of Remembrance. For at least one minute, send your thanks, love, and prayers to active soldiers, veterans, and the many men and women who died serving our country.

5. Decorate a Soldier’s Grave

• • Visiting a nearby cemetery is a powerful way to remember and honor the fallen this Memorial Day. Volunteer to dress graves at a local or military cemetery with flowers and flags. Or simply stop by to pay your respects to our country’s heroes.

HOOAH, Helping Out Our American Heroes, is a 100% Volunteer National Veteran Nonprofit dedicated to serving those who serve us everyday. To find out more about our June Pours for Purpose initiative, please click here.