Memorial Day is a national holiday in the United States, a day set aside to honor and remember the military personnel who died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Celebrated on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day was assigned that time period in 1971, and this year will fall on Monday, May 31. There are many ways we can honor people during this day. For example, we can honor the memory of a family member or another veteran by putting flowers on their grave. This would be a good day to visit The Sacramento Valley National Cemetery at 5810 Midway Road in Dixon, or attend a Memorial Day event. While this is a day to honor the memory of soldiers who are no longer with us, it is also acceptable to send a card or care package to soldier currently serving, a way to share your gratitude for their service.

Things you can say during this day are “Happy Memorial Day from our family to yours” or “Let’s use today to count our blessings and stand proud.”

We should always support and appreciate the people who gave their lives for us in war time and acknowledge the families who lost someone who fought to keep our country free. Remember that the purpose of this holiday is to recognize those who are no longer here to celebrate it, and show that you honor them.