Honor and respect can be given at any time to our military personnel. We hear emotional stories about how we have come forward as a nation and shown our respect to our active military, but it is on Memorial Day that we solidify the respect for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

On Memorial Day we honor the fallen heroes.Red, white and blue flowers will adorn graves and flags will line the streets. Hats will come off and hands will cover our hearts as parades go by and songs are sung. It’s an emotional day as we remember those close to us and we reflect on what was given so we can live in this great country.

Red poppies were the flower of choice when in 1915 Moina Michael wrote the poem:

‍We cherish too, the Poppy redT

hat grows on fields where valor led,It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

‍Other flowers will often include red and white daisies, carnations, lilies or roses with the blue being carried by statice, hydrangeas and delphinium. So many combinations can be arranged to show your respect.Family members left behind continue to show their courage and strength as they deal with those who are no longer with them. It’s a gallant gesture to reach out to them as well on this day and let them know that their loss is not forgotten.

With their bravery and strength, those who have given their lives for our country leave us a legacy to live up to. Fly your flag, cover your heart and bow your head for one moment on this day and remember all who are lost and all we have to live for because of their courage.