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May 25, 2023

    Remembering Our Heroes on Memorial Day

    While our family was stationed in Germany, my husband and I were invited to attend a Memorial Day ceremony at the Lorraine American cemetery in St. Avold, France, where the largest number of American dead from WWII have been laid to rest.

    I will never forget the sight of so many graves, the military and veterans from different countries coming together to honor the fallen, or how local people made a point to thank my uniformed husband for what service members like him had sacrificed so long ago.

    For most Americans, Memorial Day weekend is synonymous with the beginning of summer and brings to mind backyard barbecues or a lazy day at the beach. Others may confuse it with Veterans Day and think it's a day to honor current service members. 

    Let's take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day.

    lorraine_american_cemetery.jpgLeslie Palmer Cruise Jr., a World War II veteran from Horsham, Pa., salutes the gravesite of Pfc. Richard Vargas during a wreath laying ceremony at Lorraine American Cemetery in France, 2014. Photo credit U.S. Army Flickr

    What is Memorial Day?

    Memorial Day is a day to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice—those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally called Decoration Day from the tradition of decorating graves with flowers and memorials, the day was first observed after the Civil War. During that first national ceremony in 1868, these words were spoken by then Congressman (later President) James Garfield,

    We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.

    memorial_day_arlingtonArlington National Cemetery, Memorial Day Photo credit U.S. Army Flickr 

    It wasn’t until 1971 that Congress established Memorial Day on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day services and parades take place all across the U.S. and even overseas, including the yearly ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in which a small American flag is placed at each grave.Arlington National Cemetery

    Photo from Pixabay

    During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, our nation's longest war, the U.S. and its allies lost over 7,000 service members. During this Memorial Day weekend, if you see a family member wearing a gold star signifying they've lost a loved one in military service, please take a moment to thank them for their sacrifice.

    While our words will never be enough, honoring our nation's heroes is something we should all take time to do on Memorial Day. And for the families who have made the ultimate sacrifice, thank you seems inadequate... but we offer you our gratitude and thanks. 

    Remembering Our Heroes on Memorial Day (Pinterest Pin (1000 × 1500 px))

    Jen McDonald

    Author

    Jen McDonald

    Jen McDonald is the Content Editor for MilitaryByOwner Advertising, an award-winning author, speaker, and longtime advocate for military spouses. With over 30 years as a military spouse, Jen created her own path, raised four kids, supported her husband's Air Force career, and navigated the challenges of military life. Now, she shares her insights and encouragement with fellow military families through writing, podcasting, and public speaking. Jen is the author of You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse, and Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories, books offering support to military families. Her nonfiction writing has earned multiple awards, including a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America and a Silver Award from Foreword INDIES. Now settled in Texas, Jen is working on her debut cozy mystery novel and reveling in the joys of grandparenting. She’s learned to write in the margins of life, tapping away at her laptop during early mornings or kids' sports practices. Connect with Jen at her site, Jen McDonald and Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.