Editor’s Note: JUST ADDED, Memorial Day volunteer opportunity. The Patriot Charities 5k walk/run still needs volunteers to help support the event. Sign up here. Families welcome to serve together!
By CURTIS BURK
Memorial day is a symbolic and meaningful commemoration around Charlotte as well as our country. With the Coca Cola 600 and several other organizations in the Charlotte area paying tribute to our veterans and current active military groups, you cannot miss out on the celebration.
This day was originally called Decoration Day and became a federal holiday in 1967 to honor those who have given their lives for our freedoms. The flag of the United States is raised every Memorial Day morning and then lowered to half-staff to signify and pay respect to the more than one million men and women who have given their lives in the line of service. It remains there until noon and returns to full staff for the remainder of the day.
In honor of Memorial Day, President Obama stated: “Since even before our founding, we have been blessed with an unbroken chain of patriots who have always come forward to serve. Whenever America has come under attack, you’ve risen to her defense. Whenever our freedoms have come under assault, you’ve responded with resolve. Time and again, at home and abroad, you and your families have sacrificed to protect that powerful promise that all of us hold so dear –- life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
As a Christian, we understand the need to pray to and foster our relationship with God. It is a daily walk we take pride in and our country is a better place because of those habits. Military veterans share dignity in defending our countries freedom for religion, EVERYDAY!
I have had the distinct pleasure of working for Purple Heart Homes, Patriot Charities, USO of NC and working alongside Operation Home Front, Semper Fidelis Health and Wellness, Charlotte Bridge Home and Welcome Home Vets organizations. These organizations make honoring our true heroes an every day activity not just a holiday experience.
We should take more than a few minutes every six months to honor our military. Let’s truly give tribute our Veterans this coming Memorial Day in our homes, neighborhoods and communities by investing our time and giving back our skill.
One way is by volunteering through Elevation to celebrate Memorial Day morning with friends and family at the 2013 Patriot Festival Run/Walk to honor our military. Please join us as we impact the heroes in our local community!
