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You probably already know that Memorial Day is Monday, May 24, but it will likely look different than it has in recent memory. Your past celebrations probably included a large get-together with neighbors, delicious grilled food and yard games.  Although the Wisconsin shelter-in-place orders is no longer in effect, it’s still essential for us all to practice social distancing and remain vigilant with CDC guidelines.

Is it just us, or does the reason behind Memorial Day often get overshadowed with sales, parties and general thoughts of summer? This year, we’d like to encourage you to celebrate Memorial Day while remembering the origin of the holiday – to honor our nation’s heroes.

Memorial Day, first known as Decoration Day, was created on May 30, 1868, to recognize the men and women who passed while in service of the United States of America. While there are no possible ways to repay them for their courage and sacrifice, there are several ways to say “thank you” to veterans while following social distancing. We’ve compiled a few ways to inspire you:

1. Decorate the Exterior of Your Home

   Take all of the energy you would have been cleaning up your home in anticipation of guests towards decorating your house and yard. Now is the perfect time to don your American pride by displaying an American flag, planting red, white and blue flowers, and finding seasonal bunting. There’s no reason to take your decorations down after Monday has come and gone because this type of décor will be suitable all summer long!

2. Take a Walk While Wearing the Name of a Veteran

   Recruit your immediate family and your walking shoes to participate in the Wear Blue: Run to Remember event. Typically, there are locations set aside for the run/walk, but this year participants can choose their locations and routes. You can commit to walking (or running) 1 mile, 5K or 10K in honor of one or more fallen veterans.

3. Visit a Veteran’s Cemetery

   One traditional way to celebrate Memorial Day is to plan a trip to visit a veteran’s cemetery to reflect on our country’s heroes. At present, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs maintains 142 national cemeteries. In Wisconsin, there are four cemeteries and five soldier’s lots. Try to find an uncrowded place and be sure to read up on the latest rules. (For instance, visitors may be required to wear a face mask.)

4. Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance

   The “National Moment of Remembrance” was passed in December 2000 and asked all Americans to “voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of Remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps’” at 3 pm local time.

These are only four of many possible ways to celebrate Veterans while maintaining social distancing this holiday season. How do you plan to show your gratitude?

Happy Memorial Day from Lions Pride!