by Charlotte Smith
In 2020, BladenOnline published an article contributed by Four County Electric Membership Corporation in honor of Veteran’s Day. Now we are approaching Memorial Day – a holiday established to remember and honor those Military Service Men and Women who paid the ultimate sacrifice when they lost their lives serving our country.
Some often wonder how to celebrate the Memorial Day occasion. Bladen County Veteran Oliver Gause pondered this thought and then took action. The article written about Oliver’s decision by Four County EMC states, ‘Near Memorial Day 2016, Oliver relaxed in his recliner and thought, “What can I do for those veterans who passed on and their families?” That was the beginning of Oliver’s mission to ensure all veterans buried in Bladen County have an American Flag placed at their gravesite.’
BladenOnline understands the importance of remembering and honoring those servicemen and servicewomen who were Killed in Action or who remain Missing in Action. Therefore we made a list of some ways to observe the upcoming holiday.
Museums – Visit a military-themed museum to learn about the history of those who serve our country.
Memorials – The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, are memorials lined with the names of American Military Members who gave their lives in service to the country. Taking time to visit these memorials is an option for any member of the public.
Cemeteries – Pay respects for Military Service Members by visiting graves where they are buried. Honor them by placing flowers, flags and even cleaning up the gravesite.
Memorial Day Parade – Organizing and/or participating in a parade is a great tribute to honor those fallen in the line of duty. A parade in honor of Memorial Day brings awareness to the sacrifices made.
Socialize – Show respect for the Service Members by socializing with others. Participate in a Veterans of Foreign Wars or Disabled Veterans meeting; offer gifts and a listening ear. Visit a Veteran hospital. Post a thank you on social media, remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The BladenOnline office will be closed Monday, May 31, 2021 in observance of this solemn holiday.
Related articles and videos:
https://bladencounty.org/the-flag-man-of-bladen-county-veteran-oliver-gause/
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