Funding a Low Cost Memorial Day

Memorial Day can sometimes get lost in all the other holiday celebrations we have, just another day off from work. If you want to make this year's celebration more memorable, take a minute to reflect on the meaning of the day and help your family remember our brave men and women in uniform. The following are ideas for a low cost way to make this year's Memorial Day one to remember:

• Prepare Gifts for Military Personnel. This is a great way for you and your family to celebrate Memorial Day. Keep in mind there have been some changes to the care package program. The military can no longer accept packages addressed to "Any Soldier" or "Any Service Member" due to security concerns. If you are interested in showing your support to active duty personnel or those service personnel wounded in combat, you should contact one of the charitable organizations authorized by the U.S. military. These organizations can help guide you in contributing packages, gifts, cards and emails. Many of them have on-going support projects such as buying air conditioners and heaters for our troops.
• Visit a Veterans Memorial. There are memorials located throughout the country. Taking a few minutes to visit these sacred locations is well worth the effort. Many of these memorials have events planned for Memorial Day. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial includes a candlelight vigil and a motorcycle rally in honor of all POW-MIA's over the Memorial Day weekend. Many of the other memorials have wreath laying ceremonies and other events you may want to participate in.
• Low Cost Travel. One fantastic way to travel and stay in comfortable homes in desirable communities is by doing a home exchange. There are many websites today that help travelers match up with others willing to exchange homes. If you are interested in home exchange be sure to communicate with the other party extensively before agreeing to a home exchange. Sometimes both parties will sign agreements to protect the participants. It can be a very economical way to travel and allows you to see parts of a city that many tourists never get to see.

With the economic troubles plaguing the nation, it's important to get back to basics and enjoy time with friends and family. Look for events that provide time together as a family without the high cost.