Memorial Day 2019 greetings and quotes: Best ways to celebrate Memorial Day

Millions of American will pay tribute to fallen members of the US armed forces tomorrow for Memorial Day 2019. The annual commemoration day is a federal holiday in the United States and is held on the last Monday of May, this year falling on May 27. Memorial Day sees many people gathering together with friends and family as many people will enjoy a day off work. The date has become the unofficial start of summer so, in addition to formal ceremonies, barbecues and family gatherings are also popular.

Many people will visit cemeteries and memorials, while a moment of reflection takes place at 3pm local time across the nation.

There is not a traditional greeting as such on Memorial Day and it is not appropriate to wish someone a ‘Happy Memorial Day’ given its solemnity.

But it is customary to thank serving or past veterans that you may meet on the day.

This can suffice as a simple “thank you” or “thank you for your service” – or you can add your own personal message.

Services have already begun over the Memorial Day weekend.

These included 88,000 American flags being placed on graves at Los Angeles National Cemetery in preparation for the day.

President Donald Trump and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, paid their respects on Thursday to servicemen and women at Arlington National Cemetery.

The couple each placed three American flags on several grave sites.

There are inspirational Memorial Day quotes that you can use for formal events or speeches.

Here are a few examples:

– Former President Barack Obama in his 2014 Memorial Day speech

“Everything that we hold precious in this country was made possible by Americans who gave their all. And because of them, our nation is stronger, safer, and will always remain a shining beacon of freedom for the rest of the world.”

– Claudia Pemberton, author

“America without her soldiers would be like God without His angels.”

– John F. Kennedy, former US president

– “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

– Jeff Miller, US politician

“The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.”

– Mark Twain, author

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.”

– Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil rights movement leader

“In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

source: express.co.uk