2018 Memorial Day Facts
2:45 AMPosted by: John S Kiernan
Memorial Day is more than just a day off from work or school, an excellent occasion for a backyard barbeque or a chance to travel. Those things do speak to the holiday’s true spirit. But above all else, Memorial Day honors Americans who have died in service to their country. This holiday is not one for somber reflection, however. We instead choose to celebrate by enjoying the many freedoms that American servicemen and women have perished protecting.
That includes fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, trial by jury, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment. It also extends to relative trivialities such as the ability to save up to 90% with Memorial Day weekend sales or ride roaring Harleys through the nation’s capital. And yes, 60% of us do indeed barbeque each Memorial Day weekend, while 13% take a trip. After all, Memorial Day’s place on the calendar has made it the unofficial start of summer for many.
To help you get to know this popular holiday even better, we analyzed it from top to bottom in search of the most revealing Memorial Day facts and stats. You can check out our findings in the infographic below. We also hosted a Q&A with leading travel-industry experts, who shared some great summer savings tips. Enjoy!
{article_social_buttons}
For advice on how to navigate Memorial Day weekend sales, we posed the following questions to a group of personal finance and retail experts. You can check out their bios and responses below.
- What is the best way to honor the memory of our fallen countrymen this Memorial Day?
- Do you believe Memorial Day has become too commercialized?
- What types of bargains should shoppers be looking out for this Memorial Day?
- What money saving tips do you have for people planning to travel on Memorial Day?
H. Brinton Milward Director and Melody S. Robidoux Foundation Fund Chair, School of Government and Public Policy, University of Arizona
Manuel Salazar III CPA, MBA, EdD, Associate Professor, School of Business, Online Faculty & Coordinator. William Jessup University
What is the best way to honor the memory of our fallen countrymen this Memorial Day?
Treat Memorial Day as a day to reflect on the sacrifices of those who fought for us rather than as a great day to shop for sales.
Manuel Salazar III CPA, MBA, EdD, Associate Professor, School of Business, Online Faculty & Coordinator. William Jessup University
What is the best way to honor the memory of our fallen countrymen this Memorial Day?
As a former U.S. Army Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, Memorial Day is something I keep near to my heart. It also reminds me of the words of President Calvin Coolidge, "the nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten". So here are some ways that will help us never to forget these valiant men and women:
- Go to a Memorial Day ceremony and honor these American heroes.
- Fly the Flag at your home and remember the many sacrifices made by these men and women for your freedoms.
- Read portions of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights to a group of young people and discuss the price paid for our liberty.
- Financially support and/or volunteer at an organization like the VFW, American Legion, etc. which honors these amazing veterans.
- Take young people to visit your local military memorial and spend time reflecting on each name and discuss why we can never forget these men and women. Take a group photo at the memorial and share on social media, encouraging others never to forget their sacrifices.
- Visit Arlington or another military cemetery near you and place a wreath, flowers, and/or flags in remembrance of their "last full measure of devotion" for our nation.
- Learn of a local family in your community who lost a loved one in the defense of our nation and write them a letter to encourage them.
Do you believe Memorial Day has become too commercialized?
Memorial Day has become many things to many different groups of people in our nation today. For many it is the end of school, unofficial start of summer, time for backyard barbecues, and when we see great pre-summer sales. Of course, we should experience all these things as Americans, but we also need to take time to remember those that provided these freedoms. So let us rededicate ourselves as a nation united this Memorial Day, to not only enjoy the many benefits we have today, but to also remember the people who made it possible for us to enjoy our freedoms.
What types of bargains should shoppers be looking out for this Memorial Day?
Given your budget and your needs, there are a variety of items that typically are available at bargain prices during the Memorial Day holiday. These include electronic items like computers/laptops, and flat screen TV's, outdoor furniture/recreational equipment items like patio sets, grills, bikes, and hiking gear, appliances like refrigerators and washers/dryers, etc., and apparel/jewelry items such as summer outfits and patriotic jewelry. It's all about planning, preparing, and buying what you are looking for at the right time, so stay focused and be patient until to find that right item at the right price!
What money saving tips do you have for people planning to travel on Memorial Day?
Shop around ahead of time for the best gas prices and deals on hotels/Airbnb, etc. Consider renting a car or even taking a train for your trip. Finally, plan out a realistic food and spending budget ahead of time and stick to it. This will alleviate unwanted financial stress and allow you to better enjoy the Memorial Day experience.
from Wallet HubWallet Hub
via Finance Xpress
0 comments