5 Reasons to Visit a Gravesite on Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend is widely considered the start of summer. I personally love this time of year – American flags line the streets of our town, trees are blooming, and you can finally drive around in your car with the windows rolled down. This is the weekend we start firing up the grill, taking weekend getaways, or working in our yards.

Amidst this excitement, it is important to keep in mind (I’m going to use a Christmas phrase here) “the reason for the season.” Memorial Day was originally celebrated post-Civil War to remember the 200,000 plus American lives lost in this battle. Since then, it has evolved into a day honoring all veterans, especially those who lost their lives in a war.

Upon reflection of the selfless service and dedication to the men and women who gave their lives on the battlefield, memories of non-military loved ones who have passed away may surface. While Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember the lives of those lost in wartime, it can also be a time to think of the lives of any loved ones we have lost.

When I drive through our cemetery on this patriotic holiday and see cars lining the roads and dozens of people walking through our grounds, my heart is full. This reaction may be opposite of what you would expect, but I am proud to have an opportunity to show visitors just how much we care about caring for their loved one’s grave space and surrounding setting. I also love that family members and friends feel inclined to visit their loved one’s grave on this special day.

If you are looking for reasons to visit a gravesite on Memorial Day, here are a few:

1. To Pay Respects to Those Who Gave Their Lives for Our Freedom

What better way to show your appreciation for the sacrifices members of the armed forces made than by visiting the cemetery on Memorial Day?

Every day I try and pick out one new thing to be grateful for and I ask my children to do the same. I encourage you to bring the next generation with you to the cemetery on Memorial Day. Passing on this admiration for our veterans will be valuable to them and our future.

Due to current safety regulations resulting from COVID-19 concerns, many cemeteries chose to cancel their remembrance services this Memorial Day. Despite these unfortunate circumstances, I still encourage you to visit a cemetery if you can safely do so.

Just taking some quiet time to read the names of the men and women inscribed on military markers is a simple, yet noble way of memorializing those who gave their lives to protect our country.

2. To Promote Healthy Grieving

Whether you lost your loved one two weeks ago or twenty years ago, that void in your life may feel like it is never filled. As difficult as it may be, you must learn to live with that loss and grieve in a way that allows you to move forward.

I can’t wait until we can begin hosting community remembrance events again. They are a great reminder of the power of coming together for a common purpose and how that promotes healthy healing for those who attend.

Whether it’s on Memorial Day or any other time of year, it is important to dedicate time to remember your lost loved one. In this hectic world we live in, it can be difficult to focus on this. Going to that special place in the cemetery and devoting that time will ensure the memories you have of your lost loved one will continue to live on.

3. To Stay in Touch with Our History and Ancestry

Memorial Day is an opportune time to visit the graves of our ancestors and reconnect with our family’s heritage. Those who passed away before our time on earth are responsible for laying down the roots for the family we love and care for today. I can’t think of a more meaningful way to honor an ancestor’s legacy and strengthen family ties than spending time at their grave site.

Our distant ancestors do not have any living direct descendants who can tend to their grave. Cleaning the marker and tidying up the grave site of a distant relative is a considerate way to acknowledge they are gone, but not forgotten.

4. To Decorate Your Loved One’s Grave

Witnessing visitors decorating the final resting places of those who have passed is a heartwarming sight to take in on Memorial Day. Participating in this tradition can be a fulfilling experience.

Our nation’s flag, patriotic flowers, and wreaths are regularly found on the graves of veterans and those who died in the line of duty. Decorating the grave of a non-military family member or friend is also practiced on this day and is a great way to honor someone you loved.

If you wish to decorate a grave but aren’t physically able or don’t feel comfortable doing so this year, you may consider purchasing a flower arrangement or small plant from a florist or memorial park and have them place it on your loved one’s grave for you.

5. To Enjoy Some Recreation

A trip to the cemetery on Memorial Day doesn’t have to be limited to visiting a grave. You also don’t need to have someone buried to go to a cemetery on this significant day. Witnessing visitors pay their respects to our veterans and other loved ones can lift your spirits.

On Memorial Day our lives slow down. Many cemeteries have lush, open greenspace, beautiful landscaping, and walking paths for guests to enjoy. Time spent soaking up the sun and breathing fresh air is a great way to clear your mind and re-energize.

If you like to exercise, taking a walk or jog around the cemetery is a good way to mix up your normal routine. Depending on the cemetery’s rules, you might be able to bring your pet along for company. Packing a lunch and having a picnic is another way to be part of Memorial Day festivities.

2 responses to “5 Reasons to Visit a Gravesite on Memorial Day”

1. Mike Papinchock says:

   May 29, 2023 at 5:29 pm

   In 1971, Congress passed a bill stating that all Federal Holidays would fall on a Monday. This guaranteed that Federal Workers would benefit from having a three day weekend. At that time, Decoration Day was changed to Memorial Day. Prior to that bill being enacted into law, the emphasis was not upon veterans, but to visiting and cleaning up or decorating the grave sites of our ancestors. Deceased Veterans were remembered, but the main emphasis was upon the family members

   Reply
   • Jill Darby says:

     May 30, 2023 at 7:59 am

     Mike,
     Thank you for sharing this interesting information. Memorial Day is such a special holiday, and learning more about it is a great way to discover more about our country’s history.
     Take care,
     Jill

     Reply