Memorial Day isn’t just a long weekend. For many families across Baton Rouge and across America, it’s a deeply personal day – a time to pause and honor the men and women who gave everything in service to this country.

At Big River Glass, it’s personal for us too.

Our owner’s family knows firsthand what sacrifice, pride, and showing up for the ones you love actually look like – because they’re living it.

Did you know that 2 of the kids of our owner, Erin, serve in the U.S. military? One in the Navy, one in the Army – serving in different branches, in different roles, each having made the choice to put on a uniform and commit to something bigger than themselves.

That kind of commitment doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It comes from families who raised them right, who showed up for every milestone, and who continue to carry that pride every single day.

To our family members in uniform – we see you, we honor you, and we are so proud of you.

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, began after the Civil War as a day to honor fallen Union soldiers. Over the decades it became a national day of remembrance for all U.S. military personnel who died while serving. It’s separate from Veterans Day, which honors all who have served. Memorial Day is specifically for those who gave their lives.

The tradition of placing flags on graves, the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM local time, and the playing of Taps are all ways Americans mark the day. In communities across Louisiana, Memorial Day is also a time for parades, ceremonies, and the kind of quiet reflection that puts everything else in perspective.

Attend a local ceremony. The Louisiana Veterans Memorial and local VFW posts hold annual Memorial Day ceremonies. Check your city’s event listings for times and locations.

Visit a veterans cemetery. The Baton Rouge National Cemetery is one of the most meaningful places in the region to visit on this day. Bring flowers or simply take a moment to walk through.

Fly your flag correctly. Per flag code, the American flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.

Support military families. Organizations like the USO, Wounded Warrior Project, and local veterans’ groups appreciate support year-round – but especially now.

Take the 3 PM moment. The National Moment of Remembrance is a single minute of silence at 3:00 PM on Memorial Day. It takes nothing but your time and means everything.

To every service member who has put on a uniform – thank you. To the families who love them, support them, and carry that pride every day – thank you too.

Big River Glass is proud to be part of this community and grateful to the people who protect it.

If you’re spending Memorial Day weekend working on your home, we’ll be here when you’re ready. But today – take the moment. It matters.