Veterans who have served in the armed forces are the backbone of our country, those who have fallen and those who have survived, defending all that the flag stands for. From the Revolutionary War to present-day operations, the United States of America has lost well over a million soldiers between combat and non-combat deaths. Not always understood, Memorial Day is a time of solemn remembrance and deep reflection, to remember the sacrifices of our military. While sales might say, “Happy Memorial Day,” this may not be the best phrase to say as the day is not for celebration.
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1- Attend a Memorial Service
To share a meaningful Memorial Day with the veterans in your life, you could attend a memorial service that commemorates the fallen with them, visit a national cemetery, or lay flowers on the graves of soldiers. Often sold to raise money for veterans, you could wear poppies–the flower of sacrifice–in solidarity with survivors whose loss deserves recognition and support. Many of the services offered occur at national cemeteries, but many could also be hosted by families and other groups.
2- Be Available to Listen
For citizens unfamiliar with the gravity of military service, even if someone they know didn’t see combat, they could have lost comrades to suicide, accidents, or illness. From 2006-2021, an astounding 25% of soldiers took their own lives, the second leading cause of death after accidents and more than 14% of combat deaths. Longer term statistics are not much kinder, but there are ways of honoring those we don’t know. Through the hustle of life, it may be difficult to remember anything when the present keeps us occupied, but the National Moment of Silence reminds us at 3:00 pm local time on Memorial Day to pause in silence. Remembering the shoulders on which this country stands, devoting our time and deep thought to their memory is a simple yet powerful method of expressing our gratitude. Also underestimated in its simplicity is listening without probing: “I’m here to listen if you need it.” Roughly 950,000 veterans were diagnosed with PTSD in 2024, 16% of the veterans who receive services from the Veteran Affairs, which only accounts for 1 in 3 living veterans in the USA.
3- Give a Challenge Coin
If you are already planning some of the above and are not quite sure what gift to offer other than flowers, an excellent choice would be challenge coins. As a thoughtful keepsake, potentially bearing their branch of service, these mementos can be intimately personalized. With similar traditions dating back to Ancient Rome and the Renaissance, the modern tradition of exchanging challenge coins dates to World War I, deeply rooted in military tradition.
Private citizens without close connections to the military may not realize the true meaning of Memorial Day and how it is different than Veteran’s Day. The first is meant to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, supporting those left behind, and stopping to realize that our freedoms are not free. Protected by the brave warriors of the United States military, our country owes them love and acceptance in immeasurable doses.
