To honor the fallen in HOA communities means more than flying a flag or posting a sign. It’s a chance for neighbors to come together in meaningful and respectful ways that reflect the true purpose of Memorial Day. From small acts of remembrance to larger displays, HOAs can pay tribute to those who gave everything for the country.
How to Honor the Fallen in HOA Communities
Homeowners associations are unique in that they have common areas and shared amenities. This means these communities have more resources to plan events and activities that honor significant holidays. With proper planning, the entire neighborhood can participate.
Here are the best ways to honor the fallen in HOA communities.
1. Host a Community Flag Display
There’s nothing like seeing a sea of American flags on Memorial Day. Homeowners associations can join and line sidewalks, pathways, and green spaces with mini flags. Some communities even encourage residents to place a flag in front of their homes as a tribute.
Of course, proper flag etiquette is important, especially on Memorial Day. Everyone should follow the U.S. Flag Code. That means flying the American flag at half-staff from sunrise until noon before raising it to full staff for the rest of the day. HOA boards should post guidelines so that residents can display their flags correctly.
2. Create a Tribute Garden or Memorial Area
Creating a memorial area helps residents have a meaningful space for Memorial Day and year-round. Boards can construct a tribute garden with seasonal flowers, small flags, and a memorial plaque. This can serve as a symbol of gratitude to honor fallen heroes in HOA communities.
Board members can also invite residents to contribute stones with names, brief messages, and other symbols of remembrance. Some communities hold dedication ceremonies during Memorial Day weekend to officially open the space. Residents can gather for a short program that includes a reading, a prayer, or a moment of silence.
3. Share Stories of Service
One of the most personal ways to honor fallen heroes in HOA communities is by telling their stories. Boards can collect names, photos, and memories from residents who have lost loved ones in military service.
The HOA board can then feature these stories in the newsletter or post them on bulletin boards. If the HOA has a website, the board can post the stories there, too. The board can print a memorial booklet or display a photo wall in a common area as a more significant way of honoring them.
4. Organize a Candlelight or Sunset Vigil
An evening vigil brings a quiet sense of unity and reflection. Association boards can invite residents to gather in a common location, such as the clubhouse lawn or pool area, at dusk.
The HOA can also organize a simple program to accompany the vigil. This includes patriotic music, military poem readings, and even a guest speaker. Then, the HOA can distribute candles, lanterns, or solar-powered lights. Residents can also take turns sharing the names of loved ones who died in service.
Of course, safety is of paramount importance, so boards should handle candles properly. Battery-powered candles are a good option to reduce fire hazards.
5. Partner With Local Veterans’ Organizations
Board members don’t have to plan everything on their own. The HOA can partner with local veterans’ groups, who are often eager to support communities in their celebrations of Memorial Day.
An HOA board can invite a member of the American Legion, the VFW, or a nearby military base to speak during a community ceremony. These guests can share their personal insights that will help deepen the meaning of the holiday. It’s a great way to honor the fallen in HOA neighborhoods.
The HOA can also organize a supply drive or fundraiser to support these organizations. Boards can collect toiletries, gift cards, or thank-you letters from residents. Donations can then go directly to veterans or the families of those who perished in service.
6. Coordinate a Memorial Day Remembrance Walk
A community walk might be affordable and straightforward, but also meaningful. The HOA can map a short route through the neighborhood or a nearby park to plan this event. Residents can wear red, white, and blue to the walk or carry American flags as they make their way through.
The HOA board should consider placing signs along the route with military facts, photos, or names of fallen service members. Additionally, to promote hydration, there should be water stations.
Before the walk begins, the board can gather everyone for a short tribute or group prayer. The walk doesn’t need to be very long. What is important is the shared experience and intention behind it.
7. Organize a Livestream of the National Memorial Day Parade
Every year on Memorial Day, the National Memorial Day Parade takes place in Washington, DC. This parade commemorates fallen soldiers and their families. Board members can set up a livestream viewing of this parade in a common area.
This way, everyone can watch the parade together. For a more welcoming environment, remember to provide seating, snacks, and beverages. The HOA board should also post the details of the event in advance to ensure high attendance.
This is a great way to instill patriotism, promote a sense of community, and honor the fallen in HOA communities. It’s perfect for older residents who prefer a more passive yet respectful activity.
8. Educate Children in the Community
Educating young residents is essential to help preserve Memorial Day’s importance. Boards can encourage education by planning activities like poster contests, coloring stations, or essay writing competitions.
Kids can also write thank-you cards for local veterans or make their own mini flags. It’s a good idea to invite a local veteran to speak to children about the purpose of Memorial Day.
9. Combine Social Events With Remembrance
It is common for HOAs to plan barbecues, potlucks, and pool parties over Memorial Day weekend. After all, it’s the unofficial beginning of summer. Boards don’t have to cancel these events to make way for the holiday. Instead, they should include moments that honor the fallen in HOA communities.
Before a potluck, for instance, the board can lead with a prayer or the National Anthem. Barbecues or cookouts can have a moment of silence to remember those who gave their lives in service of the country. The HOA can also display tribute boards at these events or request military-focused charity donations.
One for Every HOA
There are plenty of ways to honor the fallen in HOA communities. Some are small and low-cost, perfect for HOAs that don’t have the budget for grander displays. Meanwhile, others require more time, effort, and resources. There’s an event for every type of community.
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