When a veteran or active service member dies, Americans seem to have a natural sense of wanting to do something extra during a memorial ceremony – or after – to honor the man or woman’s brave service to our nation. Even if a death is in no way connected to a person’s time in the military, it is not easily forgotten or dismissed that everyone who signs up to be a soldier does so with a willingness to die for our country. Such a commitment transcends the grave and is worth memorializing for the ages, which is why many families explore Military & Veterans tributes that reflect a loved one’s service and sacrifice. Hence, the question is a common one: what are some good ways to honor a fallen hero. Below we list some general suggestions. It is a brief look at this topic. Going in, we must say that there, truly, is no limit to ways that Americans can honor their loved one’s military service.
Veterans Cemeteries
The United States has 131 cemeteries run by the federal government and reserved exclusively for those who have military service and their spouses (and, in some cases, other immediate family members). These places are generally very busy on patriotic holidays – especially Memorial Day – but there are ways to honor one’s loved one at these cemeteries year round. The best way is to simply volunteer. National Cemeteries do accept offers of help for labor such as landscape maintenance and guiding visitors. And volunteers do not necessarily have to have a family member buried in the cemetery. For more information on this great way of honoring a loved one’s military service, simply contact the national cemetery nearest your home. You should also note that many state and local municipalities also maintain cemeteries that are exclusively for veterans. These are often even less well funded than the federal cemeteries and their managers would likely be very grateful for your volunteer help. Families also often choose personalized Grave Markers, Headstones, or other Cemetery Products to create a lasting tribute at the burial site.
One very special way that families of deceased veterans can honor their fallen hero’s memory is by donating the family’s burial flag to a National Cemetery. Before doing so, families may also want to review Military Funeral Flag Etiquette to better understand proper handling, folding, and display of this important symbol. Many of these cemeteries maintain a road lined with dozens (or even hundreds) of flag poles, which they usually call, “Avenue of Flags.” On patriotic holidays, flags donated by families line these roads creating a very special, photogenic memorial for all veterans buried in the cemetery. The very flag presented to your family upon your loved one’s death can be part of these special days, if you see fit to participate in it by donating your flag to the cemetery.
Volunteer for Civic Groups that support families left behind
Many groups have taken up the blessed task of providing support for families left behind when a fallen hero dies. Four Star Mothers, The Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and many religious groups are among these organizations. It is not difficult to find such a group who would be thrilled to receive your volunteer labor and/or your monetary donation in support of their cause. Simply ask around at a VFW Hall or an American Legion outpost, and you will certainly be pointed in the right direction. One of these groups is particularly well organized and has a sophisticated website available for your inspection. It is known as the Honor the Fallen Foundation. This group began originally as an emotional support group for those whose loved ones had died in The War On Terror. Group members famously collected pieces for a national quilt devoted to honoring these fallen heros, and they took those pieces across the country, displaying the giant quilt in community halls and civic centers everywhere. The group’s website now indicates, with some sadness, that the quilt project has come to an end, but members are using the fame they achieved with that project to help keep their momentum going in perpetuity. They have many other projects going on these days, all of which are intended to raise money for, and otherwise support, the families who have lost loved ones in America’s wars.
Build a Special Memorial in Your Home
And, finally, another good way to honor a fallen hero in your family is to simply build a small shrine to the person’s military service in a family home. Many families have used old photographs, framed letters of commendation, medals, and other souvenirs of a soldier’s service as featured items in a special corner of a home devoted to their loved one’s memory. A good centerpiece to such a memorial is a flag case built especially to store and display the loved one’s special burial flag. Families who want to keep it in excellent condition may also find helpful guidance in Preserving the American Flag. Some families choose to build a flag case themselves, but it may also be comforting to know that such cases are widely available from just about any retailer that sells memorial products. These beautiful wooden pieces are available in a variety of colors, sizes and styles, and many of these varieties are outfitted with special compartments designed especially to display photos and medals. Such an in-home memorial to a loved one who has passed away can be a comforting way to honor a fallen hero.