Memorial Day may mean an added day off from work or school to grill and gather with family and friends. For millions of others, this day can be challenging as they remember and mourn the loss of their Veterans. There are many ways we can honor our Military Veterans, those living as well as those who have died.
Place a flag and honor a Veteran
Visiting the grave(s) of Veterans is a Pro-Life act. It is reverence. It is respectful. Visit the graveside and if you are able place a flag. Stop at the grave, pause and say a prayer of gratitude. While you are there, consider doing some service and clean up any litter you may find.
Say their name, tell the stories
Everyone who has lived has a story to remember. For Veterans, they have a story of serving and sacrifice that should not be forgotten. Ask friends and relatives of the deceased to share the story of their service. Write it down for the generations to come. Say their name. It honors the sanctity of every person.
“Hometown Heroes”, mission is to tell the story of American Veterans. They honor, educate and inspire us with the stories of our veterans. Honor a veteran by offering to help them submit their story or submit it in memory of their life. You may find more information by emailing info@homeTown-Heroes.org.
Honor Flight
Honor Flight’s mission is, “To transport American’s Veterans to Washington DC to visit the memorials dedicated to honor the service and sacrifices of themselves and their friends.” As Will Rogers said, “We can’t all be heroes. Some of us will have to stand at the curb and clap as they walk by.”
This past week I returned from DC to arrive at the airport to an announcement to, “honor our arriving Honor Flight Veterans” by joining the welcome at gate 38. As I approached the gate the patriotic live music was playing with vocalists singing with enthusiasm. One-by-one each honoree, wearing their bright honoree yellow shirt, was brought off the plane with their “guardian” for the trip. One-by-one the Veterans entered the gate area to hundreds of travelers, flight crews who had joined in the clapping and cheering. A huge sign hung high to greet them. “Welcome home!” the sign read. One Veteran said thru tears, “I was never welcomed home back then, now I am”. I was touched deeply, to be part of something with such deep respect and to honor Veterans, to be a small part of this event honored me. The experience affirmed for me the great need to honor people, especially our Veterans. For more information go to honorflight.org
Send a note of gratitude
I am a firm believer in the art of sending cards, letters and notes. I enjoy writing cards and notes and I deeply appreciate receiving them as well. Send a note to a Veteran, their family, their friends and express gratitude for their service. It is never too late to express our appreciation to others. Gratitude is welcome at any time.
Thank you for your service!
One of the most meaningful ways to honor a Veteran, may well be to thank them. When my dad was alive and would be recognized by a stranger and thanked, he was always appreciative. When you see a family of a deceased Veteran, take a moment to recognize their beloved’s service.
It is always good to recognize others, to take a moment to approach them and politely say, “Thank you for your service!”
Believe n love,
Geralyn
Geralyn Nathe-Evans has been called to the vocations of wife, mom, Lay Ecclesial Minister, nurse and friend.