Memorial Day Memories

Memorial Day is a time that we reflect on those who gave their lives to preserve our freedom. If you have lost family members or close friends in a war, it is important to record your appreciation of their sacrifice in your story. Those family members who served in the military and were willing to sacrifice their lives if necessary should also be remembered and honored. You may also honor those who would have served if they could have. I have family members who were turned down for service in the military because of health problems. As you reflect on Memorial Day, it is appropriate to record those you have know who truly wanted our freedoms to be preserved and were willing to do all they could to help preserve our freedoms.

Armed Forces Day

In our town Armed Forces Day is celebrated in a big way. There is a parade, activities in the park, an art show, business decorating contest, vendors and activities, fireworks and a light show. No other holiday is celebrated with as many events. Since there is a lot to do in our small town on this holiday, it has become a time for family get-togethers.
Celebrations like this give families opportunities to do things together and to create memories. Take photos on occasions like these. Write down what things you did to celebrate the holiday. Many memories will be good ones, but occasionally a memory will be of an unforgetable experience that wasn't fun, such as getting sick or missing one of the events you really wanted to attend. Writing down what was memorable from a celebration adds a lot to your story.

Memories of Mother

It is less than a week until Mother's Day. Every one of us has a mother. Most of us truly appreciate the love and care our mothers gave us. If our mother is still alive we want to show that love to her on Mother's Day. Why not write down some of the fondest memories you have of your mother? What were your favorite foods that she cooked? Where did she take you that you remember the most? What advice did she give you that you have appreciated the most? What things did she do with you or for you that you enjoyed?
You could make a special Mother's Day card with these memories to give to her. You could probably do this every year and not run out of memories. You could give her a binder to keep the cards in and add to it each year. A simple way to make a binder would be to cut a piece of card stock a little larger than the cards and decorate it. Then one-half inch from the center score down the middle on one side and then score one-half inch from the center down the other side. Now fold each side over at the scored lines. This should make a spine for the binder. Tie narrow ribbons or other fibers tightly around the spine with just enough give that a card could be slipped between the ribbon and the spine. A sturdier binder could be made with chipboard or mat board. Several members of the family could make cards and give with the binder to a mother or a grandmother for a nice completed gift.
Whatever you choose to give your mother for Mother's Day adding your written down memories will make it an even more special gift.