Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching, an extended weekend for family, friends, bar-b-cue, parades and sporting events. How will you share this holiday time? When you're out on the lake fishing, boating and enjoying your freedom, take special time to reflect on the reason for the holiday, to honor those who gave their lives in military services. 

Memorial Day Facts

• Memorial Day is always held on the last Monday of May.
• A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3pm local time.
• A Memorial Day tradition is to fly flags at half-staff from dawn until noon.
• Volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at National Cemetaries.
• Memorial Day originally was held on May 30th of every year, but was changed to the last Monday.
• Memorial Day was originally known as "Decorations Day."

Ideas for Memorial Day Activities

If you haven't made your Memorial Day plans, here's a few ideas that are affordable for the whole family.

• Throw an impromptu bar-b-cue in the backyard or by the pool.
• Make a special desert with strawberries and blueberries resembling the American Flag. 
• Take pics of the kids with their American Flags for keepsake, Facebook and scrapbooks. 
• Visit grandparents and "pick their brains" about the past. 
• Take flowers and candy to elderly relatives who are in retirement centers.
• Put a flag up in your front lawn. 
• Play out in the sprinklers with the kids. 
• Vow not to work at all this weekend. 
• Attend Memorial Day services. 
• Visit a local National Cemetery. 

Whatever you do this Memorial Day, take pause for those who died in military service who are so deserving of the honor. 

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!