Life

When Is Memorial Day 2017?

by Ni'Kesia Pannell

With the month of May quickly coming to a close, one of the most anticipated weekend's of my year is coming with it. Though many people look at Memorial Day as an extra day off from work, the meaning of the holiday is much deeper than that. Being able to show respect to those who fought for their country is an honor, which is why it's important to know when is Memorial Day 2017.

According to U.S. Memorial, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who died in service of the United States. Always designated to the last Monday of May, this year the holiday lands on May 29, according to the Almanac. According to the aforementioned U.S. Memorial article, observance for the Memorial Day has been diminished over time because many have forgotten the true meaning of it. With so many activities that have become the main focus of the day, it's not surprising to hear people say that they are not sure how to show observance.

For me, Memorial Day is very important. My father, as well as many of my aunts, uncles, and cousins, have all served in the military at some point in their lives, and I couldn't be more thankful for their service. So, taking the time to actually observe the day for it's true meaning and making others knowledgable of its history, is important.

So how do you honor those who died in the line of duty? According to the Memorial Day Foundation, some traditional observances include wearing red poppies, visiting cemeteries to place flags or flowers on the graves of fallen heroes, attending a religious service, or just simply visiting a memorial site. Additionally, Forbes noted that you can take part in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m., a time that was chosen because it is likely when Americans are enjoying the freedom that was made possible by those who died in service of their country.

Memorial Day deserves more than just a barbecue in your backyard. It's a day where those who dedicated their last breath in the line of duty to protect their families, friends, and even those that they never met, deserve to be celebrated and commemorated. Becoming knowledgeable on its importance and how to properly observe it, is something that more people should strive to do.