Memorial Day  is rapidly approaching. As many formulate barbeque lists and parties, in preparation; I emplore all to pause to contemplate the impact of this particular day.  An intentional day set aside to remember many that have sacrificed (still are) for a nation. A nation designed to implement ideas of freedom and assimilate many diverse thoughts, creeds, backgrounds, and/or ethnicities.

While Memorial Day was set aside to honor the fallen throughout our nation’s wars and conflicts (emerged as Decoration Day, following the Civil War); there are those within our communities that continue to struggle with the impact of losing friends, family members, fellow servicemen/women, and the loss of normalcy that often accompany many of our service people  after returning from said conflicts/wars.

This Memorial Day, I am honoring not only the fallen but the those that still experience the loss from these grievous moments of history. Specifically, I think of friends and family members that courageously served their commitment to serve the United States of America.  This Memorial Day should be a day of reflection for those called to place country before themselves.

Personally, I think of my cousins selfless desire to serve country, during the early years of Operation Enduring Freedom. I think of my close friend that served during the Vietnam Conflict and the many others that I have known throughout my life. While these beloved individuals returned home; I ask that we remember those who did not return and those that still struggle. 

If you are a veteran (or friend or family member) experiencing a crisis; please call 1-800-273-8255. Do not fight this battle alone.