To my dear Parkinson’s community of readers,
Memorial Day has special meaning to me since my own father served in WW2, lost both legs, and eventually died of service-related complications. His and my mother’s lives were changed forever when he was sent home from the Aleutians gravely ill. He spent his first years of marriage in Military hospitals and suffered the rest of his life as a result.
Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. In the past it was called Decoration Day, and people used to spend the day placing flowers and flags on the graves of fallen soldiers.
Did you know that Memorial Day wasn’t legally named Memorial Day until 1967? Do you know why? The name was changed in 1971, because so many Vietnam war soldiers who died could not be brought home. Therefore, no graves to decorate. I can’t imagine not being able to visit the gravesite of a loved one, and not even knowing where there are.
I saw a current article written by a veteran, where he was upset because all of the ads on TV said “Celebrate our troops on Memorial Day.” He had one request; “Don’t treat Memorial Day as a day to honor our troops currently serving in the military”.
I’ve made this mistake myself. While trying to be respectful we mistakenly lump all veterans together on these holidays.
To quote his words describing the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day (I’ve included a link to the original article below, if you want to read it): “Memorial Day is very sacred, because it celebrates the sacrifices of every member of the armed forces who gave his or her life for our country. Veteran’s Day is a day, along with every day to thank and honor those who have served in our military.
Save Memorial Day for remembering and honoring those who have died. This one day each year is all they and their loved ones have left.
❤️ Coach Kimberly
Resources:
https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/memorial-day-veterans-day-honoring-dead-fallen-soldiers.html