May Their Memory Be a Blessing - Express Your Gratitude Tips
by Zehorit Heilicher, Tastemaker in Residence
“Your silent tents of green
We deck with fragrant flowers;
Yours has the suffering been,
The memory shall be ours”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The end of May ushers in Memorial Day weekend. Most commonly it is spent shopping (mattress sale, anyone?), possibly opening up a lake cabin and of course, family barbeques and picnics. As we no longer have a military draft, the harsh realities of life in the service are not apparent to large portions of our American nation. Finding ways to commemorate lost lives and show our appreciation for our soldiers can help hurting families heal and can contribute to a national feeling of unity.
How can we bridge that gap and express our gratitude and respect for those who serve and those who have paid the ultimate price? Here are a few suggestions:
- Find a base to visit: 10 Best Military Base Tours in the U.S.
- Deliver baked goods with a personal Thank You note to your local Fire Department or Police Station.
- Raise that proud Red White and Blue flag over your house.
- Attend a Memorial Day parade in your community: Find yours here.
- Observe the one minute National Moment of Remembrance at 3pm on Monday, May 30th.
- Help provide a service dog to a veteran: Neads.org
- Get involved: Your options include having kids and adults write letters to soldiers, send goodies, volunteer and more.
Check out the following links:
- Get involved: Your options include having kids and adults write letters to soldiers, send goodies, volunteer and more. Check out the following links:
- Operation Gratitude
- Support Our Troops
- A Million Thanks
- Soldiers Angels
- Purple Heart Foundation
May their memory be a blessing! = (A Jewish condolences expression)