A Time to Remember, Salute, and Support Our Military Heroes

According to an article at pbs.org entitled “A Day of Reflection: A Brief History of Memorial Day”, Monday’s Memorial Day celebration was originally called “Decoration Day” as a “day to remember those who have died in service to our country.”    It was first observed on May 30, 1868 to “commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers. During the first national celebration, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery,   after which “5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were buried there”.  Today, the national celebration of Memorial Day continues to be held at Arlington National Cemetery in which a small American flag is placed on each grave, and the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

I was thinking that while we honor the service of US military heroes who have passed, we should, also, take the opportunity to salute and support active duty military personnel and veterans who served and are currently serving our country in uniform. There are countless ways we can support active duty military personnel, their families and veterans.  WE can become email pen pals, send cards and letters; help soldiers connect with jobs; support deployed canine teams and retired service dogs, prepare care packages, provide moral support; support pregnant spouses, provide free tickets to sports, arts, and other special events; participate in programs and projects for military families and single service members; lend an ear and spend time with disabled veterans who may just need someone to talk to, and much more.

So while you take time to remember that special someone who served, but is no longer with us, honor the memory of their brave and selfless service by supporting those who remain.

Support Our Troops – An index of US Military Support Web Sites

http://troopssupport.com/

Joining Forces| White House

http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces

USO

https://www.uso.org/donate/MEM_1205_GG5.aspx?src=WS12MDG405

National Military Family Association: Donor Program

http://www.militaryfamily.org/about-us/donor-program.html

Operation Homefront

http://www.operationhomefront.net/?gclid=CLXJ0eS_nLACFQiynQodSUuaWQ

Soldiers’ Angels- Support Groups

http://soldiersangels.org/support-groups.html

How to find a Veterans Support Group

http://www.ehow.com/how_2189722_find-veterans-support-group.html

Connect-A-Vet-Resources

http://www.bpwfoundation.org/index.php/issues/connect_a_vet?gclid=CJ7J9ZvEnLACFQcEnQodA048Xw

US Department of Veterans Affairs

http://www.va.gov/

HowStuffWorks: How to Volunteer to Help Disabled Veterans

http://money.howstuffworks.com/economics/volunteer/opportunities/volunteer-to-help-disabled-veterans.htm