Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in our armed services. In honoring them, service member’s graves are often decorated with flowers or a miniature flag. Chances are that somewhere in your family tree you may have had a relative who died while serving their country. While it may not be possible to visit a grave site and participate in this longstanding custom, you can still participate by making a memory and establishing a yearly tradition to commemorate this event in your family.

Take a little time with your family to educate yourself about this day and identify the family members who gave their lives for their country. You can make the memory come alive by researching the relative, the wartime event your family member participated and died in and exploring the history and geography around the event.

It can be a fascinating experience that provides your family with some valuable family history. And just as important, the experience can provide a context to deepen the meaning of patriotism--the devotion, support and defense of one's country. To give one's life for one's country is the greatest act of patriotism.

So, make Memorial Day a family tradition. Recognize and honor your relatives that have given their lives as patriots so that you can enjoy the freedoms we have today!