Memorial Day Matters
For many people, Memorial Day is about parades, back yard BBQs, and flying the flag. For seniors, though, it’s much more.
Many seniors are veterans. They remember every day, watching their brothers in arms dying on the battlefield next to them — many lost family members and friends.
Half a million of the country’s oldest residents served in WWII, and millions more served in Vietnam and Korea. Across those three conflicts, hundreds of thousands lost their lives.
And it’s those men and women that this holiday is truly about.
📚 This blog will jumpstart your summer reading list by recommending books suited to your preferences and reading style, helping you uncover your next read – Top Summer Reads for Seniors: Print and Digital
Memorial Day Can Be Difficult for Seniors
For younger people, Memorial Day can seem like just another holiday and a long weekend. However, for seniors Memorial Day can be heavy and emotional, which makes it a difficult holiday to celebrate. For many seniors, Memorial Day surfaces memories that they quietly carry all year long, like friends they’ve lost, lives that are forever changed, and the sacrifices of loved ones.
Remember, for some seniors:
- Memorial Day as a reminder of loss, not celebration
- Aging can intensify memories of war and grief
- May withdraw or become emotional
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Ways to Observe Memorial Day with Your Seniors
- Fly their flag or leave the traditional flag at half-mast until noon
- Visit the gravesites of veterans. Leave flags/flowers if you feel comfortable doing so
- Attend a Service or Parade
- Visit with veterans and allow them to share their story with you
- Ask the seniors in your life what this day means to them
- If you don’t live nearby, call them and have the conversation
- Thank them for their service
What does Memorial Day mean to you? Let us know in the comments below!
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