MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND Come on Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Dana Point fly your flag
RED WHITE AND BLUE FOREVER
Memorial Day was established on May 30, 1868 to honor the nation’s war dead, the holiday was originally called “Decoration Day” because people laid flowers on the graves of the fallen. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, today’s military heroes deserve respect and our help. They don’t make big money and are away from family to protect our safety and honor.
• Let those colors fly get out your American Flag
• Honor the living, it’s a day for a lemonade stand to raise money for disabled American Veterans. Make a paper sign and donate. I learned volunteerism, fundraising and service from example of great people- be great we are Americans who share. Give to Disabled American Veterans. (www.dav.org) Or your family could volunteer together at your local Veterans’ Affairs Hospital. Find it at www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp
• Make a connection. Memorial Day may be about remembering those who have given their service and their lives for our country, but there are soldiers in the field under fire right now. Thousands of American soldiers are serving in danger zones abroad. Many are lonely, afraid, crave for magazines about home, snacks, personal hygiene products, paper and pens, and cheery letters and pictures. To send a letter or care package to a soldier, try www.anysoldier.com
Camp Pendeton is so close to us in South Orange County, I could hear their exercises last weekend. They have a site for volunteers:
http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/OD?FROM=6239