May 31 should be a day of rest from the rhetoric. I, for one, feel honored and fortunate that my great-uncle came back from World War II alive. Memorial Day has been established to provide a day that the country can come together, united for one purpose - to honor the soldiers who have given their lives so we can live in a free nation. I am teaching my kids that Memorial Day is a day to not only remember those who lost their lives, but also those who lived through the terrible ordeal of war. One tradition we started last year was that we say a special prayer of thanks at dinner for these special men and women.
Most people place flowers on their loved ones' graves.
Flags can also be used. If you want to use flags on Memorial Day, Flag Etiquette will tell you the proper way to do it. Read What I'll Be Doing For Memorial Day , then decide what you will be doing. Eulogy for a Veteran Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep.