Memorial Day usually means a day off, time to relax, barbecue, the beach and time with friends, right?

Well yes, but I hope you also take time to remember the significance of the day –honoring the people who have served our country and given their lives for our freedom.

It is an especially sobering day for me. I lost a brother during the Viet Nam war. That loss forever changed our family. My mom, who has gone to be with the Lord, and dad always took us to the military part of the cemetery to decorate graves.

And because I lived in a military town for most of my adult life, I am acutely aware of all the families that lost loved ones to recent wars as well.

So this year, take time to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. Here are 5 ways to honor our soldiers who died:

1) Explain the significance of the day to your children and then fly the American flag at half-mast, visit a cemetery and place a red poppy on the grace of a veteran to symbolize the blood of heroes. Let’s make an effort to talk about the meaning of the day and not just celebrate the day off from work.

2) Take a moment for a silent prayer and pray for those who are still in harm’s way. You can attend a religious service to do this and/or participate in the National Moment of Remembrance (pause at 3:00p.m. your time zone).

3) Get involved: Give a donation to a veteran charity like the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Or maybe ask your school to be involved in the Adopt a Grave program –the school takes care of a grave of a fallen soldier by keeping it clean and placing flowers on it. Help our living veterans where possible. They deserve our time and attention.

4) Express the gratitude you feel to those who bravely fought for our freedom. Thank a soldier. Be vocal and let military families know you appreciate them. Send a note to a soldier or family who has lost a loved one. It touches your heart when someone remembers your loved one who has died.

5) Pray for those in harm’s way. Prayer is powerful and a way we can participate with our troops. Pray also for those still serving and for those who have lost loved ones. Pray for America. We desperately need a change of heart and God’s direction. Prayer changes things.

Enjoy the day!!!