Memorial Day, for me, is a day of humility. I live in a great country with unparalleled freedom. I didn't earn that freedom. I wave a flag striped in red reminding me of the sacrifice of those who paid for my freedom. In the Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln honored fallen soldiers by acknowledging "they gave the last full measure of devotion". Indeed, to die for one's cause is the ultimate act of devotion.
The Vietnam War lasted from August 4, 1964 through May 7, 1975. It was arguably the longest and most unpopular war the United States has ever been in with over 57,000 soldiers killed and 153,303 wounded. Many soldiers who served in the Vietnam War returned home with moral injuries that still cause mental pain and alienation.
When Veterans are faced with a chronic or advancing illness, memories from years of combat may revisit them throughout their care. These thoughts can be linked to emotional, spiritual, or psychosocial traumas and can place additional strains on their quality of life and their loved ones.
On the last Thursday of every month, a group of people gather at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA. In the solemn ceremony of a military burial, uniformed soldiers salute as the names of several Veterans are read aloud. There is a volley of three rifle rounds, a solo bugler plays Taps, and an American flag is ceremoniously folded.
Often times loved ones of American service members may find themselves asking, “What more can I do for my Veteran?” To answer this, we might assume what they want is added family gatherings, exciting activities, their favorite meals, gifts, or other simple ways of saying “thanks.” While these, at times, are an excellent way to make your Veteran feel appreciated and more at home, another family gathering isn't always exactly what your Veteran needs.
