VISITING ANGELS SOUTHLAKE, TX 817-684-1996
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Honoring Memorial Day with Your Aging Loved One

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer for most Americans. The end of the school year is on the horizon, summer vacation plans are booked or finalized, and friends and family gather for backyard barbecues. For many Americans, Memorial Day is also the first three-day weekend holiday since the start of the New Year, affording them the opportunity for a much needed weekend getaway.

While most of us make plans for fun on this Memorial Day weekend, few will stop to acknowledge the true significance of Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the U.S. designated for remembering and honoring those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Although much of the U.S. population has been fortunate to live in a peaceful time, our aging loved ones have not had such fortune. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports that 77% of veterans living in 2016 served during wartime. This means that if your aging loved one is a veteran, they most likely saw combat, or their brothers, cousins, friends, or peers were on the front lines. For most older adults, Memorial Day is a day filled with mixed emotions. While they are fortunate to have survived, they may recall those who were not so fortunate to come home at the end of the war. As Memorial Day quickly approaches, here are a few ways you can honor this special holiday with your aging loved one.

Participate in a Parade
If your loved one is a veteran and able, encourage them to participate in a local parade honoring Memorial Day. Invite friends and family to watch and support them as they march in the parade. Remind them that their service to our country was meaningful and significant, no matter how small they feel their role was in the war effort. Many parade organizers provide a bus for aging veterans to ride in so that they don’t have to walk long distances or offer wheelchair escorts as an alternative option.

Display the Flag
A simple way to show support is to help your aging loved one display their flag outside their home. Perhaps they don’t have a flagpole, or they are in need of a new flag. Memorial Day is a great weekend to install a flagpole bracket on their front porch or purchase a new flag. As you display the flag, pause for a moment of silence with your loved one.

Attend a Ceremony
Many towns schedule a ceremony the morning of Memorial Day to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Check with your local town hall for scheduled Memorial Day activities and invite your loved one to attend with you.

Decorate a Gravesite
Offer to help your aging loved one decorate a departed soldier’s gravesite. It could be someone they knew during their time in the military, or a fellow veteran recently deceased. If walking around a cemetery is too difficult for your aging loved one, offer to drive them around so that they can pay their respects as they see fit.

Make a Donation in their Name
Consider making a donation to a charity for veterans in your loved one’s name. It could be for a specific branch of the military, or specific cause that’s close to your loved one’s heart. Another way to honor your aging loved one is to purchase a commemorative brick. Once you receive notice that the brick is complete, take your loved one to see their name engraved.

Say “Thank You”
Finally, a simple gesture that can go a long way is to say “thank you” to your aging loved one for their service and sacrifice. You can do this privately, in a letter, or as a toast before the barbecue gets underway. Perhaps your aging loved one’s spouse was a veteran and is now deceased; pausing for a moment of silence in their honor can be the most meaningful gesture you can do to show your support.

Visiting Angels Southlake wants to extend our deepest appreciation for all veterans and those currently serving in our armed forces. We also pause to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. As you celebrate Memorial Day and your summer plans get underway, know that we are here to assist your aging loved one while you enjoy your vacation. Our Respite Care services are perfect for those looking for a little help from time to time. Respite care is also a great way to introduce home care services to your aging loved one should you need consistent help down the road. Contact us today and let us give you peace of mind knowing that your loved one is in good hands while you are away.

Serving Southlake and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels SOUTHLAKE, TX
630 E Southlake Blvd #135
Southlake, TX 76092
Phone: 817-684-1996
Fax: 817-224-2868

Serving Southlake and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels SOUTHLAKE, TX
630 E Southlake Blvd #135
Southlake, TX 76092
Phone: 817-684-1996
Fax: 817-224-2868