Did you know that Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day? Even though that feels like a more fitting name for it, especially nowadays, it was not originally named Decoration Day because of the mass amount of patriotic decorations that go on sale this time of year, I can assure you.
While we choose to decorate ourselves and front lawns in everything red, white, and blue, Decoration Day got its name for the practice of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags. The reason we get a long weekend at the end of May every year is to be able to honor the over one million military personnel killed in all our wars, since the Revolutionary War. In fact, from 1868 to 1970, Memorial Day was observed on May 30th. It took them two years to realize that it is not ideal to close your business on a random day, in the middle of the week.
I don’t know about all of you, but I “observe” best when I’ve had a few days off prior. And it just so happens, that Memorial Day falling on the last Monday in May, not only gives us a long weekend, but it also doubles as the beginning of summer vacation for kids. What kind of activities do you plan on lathering up in sunscreen for, this upcoming long weekend? No matter how much time you plan on spending in the sun, may we suggest lathering up in Boomer Naturals Skin Sunscreen before catching rays. We’d hate to see you get too burnt out on the first day of the weekend. don’t let the red you decorate yourself in be a sunburn. With all of us coming out of our quarantine hibernation, keep in mind that your skin hasn’t seen the sun and that you might need to reacquaint them again. The sun can come on pretty strong and that’s where sunscreen makes a great mediator.
Reasons to wear sunscreen:
- It protects your skin from UV rays
- It lowers your skin cancer risk
- It prevents premature aging of the skin
- It helps maintain an even skin tone
“It” being a sunscreen, wants to be your skin’s new BFF this summer. Think of all the places you two could go together, and why not start this weekend? When you’re packing to get out of dodge, no matter what kind of weekend are you packing for, make sure your Boomer Skin Sunscreen is carefully tucked in your bag.
And if you’re still at a loss, as to what to do this weekend, here are a few ways you can do something that not only helps someone else but will leave you feeling lighthearted.
Memorial Day activity ideas:
- Sign-up for a charity, fundraiser, or marathon whose proceeds go to helping vets
- Attend your cities Memorial Day Parade to show your support
- Throw a get-together to celebrate the heroes in your life (past and present)
- Plant flowers to honor those who gave their bodies up so we could call this land “home”
- Bake festive goodies to give to those who are unable to do so for themselves
- Cross-off that national monument you’ve been meaning to visit and learn more about our country’s history
While this weekend is meant to commemorate the lives of loved ones lost, there is no universal rule as to how you must show your patriotism. This continuous disagreement about what patriotism means is as old as our country. By definition, patriotism is the quality of being patriotic, enthusiastic support for one’s country.
Nowhere in the definition does it say how one should specifically show their patriotism, other than simply being patriotic. So however you choose to represent our country this weekend, do it with pride, please. Do not show hate towards those who want to show their spirit by throwing a BBQ. This is a time we should welcome our neighbors over with open arms… and hot dogs and hamburgers.
Our suggestion for you, for any upcoming functions/cookouts you may have this weekend, is to bring an open heart. If you’re cracking open a cold one, you might as well make it two. Instead of pouring one out for the homies, why not share one with someone who risked their lives to ensure the safety of yours. Take the time to ask questions and listen to their stories. The peace that you feel knowing you are safe wouldn’t be possible without their sacrifices, and the easiest way to show your thanks is by hearing what they have to say. There are heroes all around us who would love to tell you a story or two.
“The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.”
-Benjamin Disraeli