Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, and Veterans Day all carry with them special meanings. As a nation, we have marked these days to remember a different significance associated with the service of the men and women of the United States armed forces. These differences are important, and Veterans Day is a great day to take a look at them.

Remembering Those Who Passed

Perhaps in your life you have had a somber moment when you remembered a friend who has passed, or perhaps a beloved family member. Whomever this person was to you, the critical reality is that they are not here now. Their personhood lives in your memory, in your heart, and in those of their friends and family. You may remember them on a specific day, perhaps on their birthday or other significant day that marks a mutual moment of friendship or familial experience. Perhaps you keep a picture or object that enhances the memory of who they were, the memorial of this person.

Since 1866 Memorial Day (or back then Decoration Day) has stood as a day of remembrance for military members who died in the service of their nation. They have passed, but their personhood exists in our collective hearts and memories. The last Monday in May of any given year is when we take the time to focus our hearts on the memory of our departed service members.

In reverent ceremonies and quiet moments we thank them for their sacrifice and lay wreaths and flowers near their places of eternal rest. A “happy” Memorial Day is one when we remember the wonderful things about the lives of these Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, Marines, Guardsman, and Guardians; but Memorial Day is not a “happy’ occasion given the gravity of the consequences for which the day exists. I hope, that upon the occasion of the next Memorial Day, you have a reflective one of gratefulness for the sacrifices that others have made before.

Armed Forces Day: Recognizing Those Serving Now

By the grace of God our nation has persevered since its founding 248 years ago. Thankfully, it still does and in no small measure because of the efforts of our Active Duty and Reserve military members on duty today. The members of our armed forces who are alive and well on this day and those to come, who sacrifice and serve in all of our nation global efforts to secure the blessings of liberty are recognized in real time on Armed Forces Day. With a view of appreciation I invite you to greet these service members and wish them a “happy Armed Forces Day” or “thank you for your sacrifice,” because they are your shield right now.

On Veterans Day

In the non-chronological continuum of gratitude for our military Servicemen and Servicewomen we now arrive to the part of the conversation about the American Veteran and Veterans Day. These former military members promised their lives and thankfully did not have to give them. They have completed their service and have chosen to leave the military, or they survived military service maybe with an injury or other health challenge, or they retired, or all three. They are still with us, we are still with you, but no longer in the service of a military commitment. Make no mistake though, most American Veterans feel no reduction in our commitment to the United States of America. We love our country and continue to serve patriotically in our communities, states, and the nation we fought for. 

Resources

This Veterans Day, with gratitude for the sacrifices of our Veterans and their families,  the AMAC Foundation and our Foundation Veteran Outreach Program collaborator organizations are here to serve the needs of Veterans. If you are a Veteran, or know one in need, here are some resources to consider:

22Zero – Veteran and First Responder wellbeing

CheckAVet – A program to prevent Veteran Suicide

Heroes Bridge – Assistance for Senior American Veterans

Non-Commissioned Officers Association – Veteran community and wellbeing

National Association of Atomic Veterans – Wellbeing for Veterans exposed to radioactive materials

Northern Virginia Veterans Association – Wellbeing programs for senior, underserved, and disabled Veterans

If you are, or know of a Veteran organization who would like to collaborate with us to promote continued patriotic service, Veteran mental health and wellbeing, transition from military service to civilian life, and/or promoting Veteran small business, you are humbly invited to learn about and connect with via the following links and information.

AMAC Foundation Veteran Outreach Program – A collaboration of Veteran Assistance programs

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