A Brief History
Memorial Day is often considered the unofficial start to summer. It’s also a solemn day of remembrance for the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. It began after the Civil War as “Decoration Day,” a time when communities would gather to lay flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. Over time, it evolved into the national holiday we now observe on the last Monday of May, honoring all who have died in military service.
For me, Memorial Day carries weight outside of patriotic ceremonies and flag-lined streets. It reminds me of my fallen friends, their sacrifices, and the Gold Star families left to navigate life in their absence.
The last thing of note that I did in the Army before my spinal cord injury was to serve in a Rifle Detail for a military funeral. I was one of seven soldiers selected to fire three volleys for a 21-gun salute. The man we were honoring was a young Staff Sergeant. I didn’t know him well, but it felt important to be part of his services.
Since enlisting in 2012, I’ve lost Army buddies to natural causes, training accidents, combat operations, and tragically, to suicide. These men, though gone, have left a lasting imprint on my life. They don’t know it, but they helped me get through some of the darkest days after my spinal cord injury. When I’m having a hard day in my wheelchair, I glance down at the names engraved on my memorial bracelet. I think of them, and I wonder what they would give for one more chance at life, even if it meant living in a chair.
Memorial Day Symbolism
One of the most enduring symbols of remembrance is the red poppy. Its origins trace back to World War I, where the bright red flowers grew across the battle-scarred fields of Europe. Canadian physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae captured this powerful image in his 1915 poem In Flanders Fields. He wrote it after the death of a close friend, and it quickly became one of the most iconic war memorial poems in history.
Inspired by McCrae’s words, the red poppy became a symbol of remembrance across the world. In the United States, it’s often worn on Memorial Day to honor those who died in service. It’s a small flower with a big message: we remember, and we carry on.
Live in Their Honor
Memorial Day is not just about mourning. It’s also about gratitude. It’s about living in a way that honors those who no longer can. I believe that if my fallen friends could speak to us now, they’d tell us to enjoy our long weekend. Laugh with your loved ones. Grill, swim, relax, whatever. But I ask that you take a moment to pause, reflect and appreciate your existence.
Not everyone gets the gift of growing older. Not everyone gets the chance to wake up and face another day. So this Memorial Day, remember the fallen. It’s our turn to carry the torch.
“Every man has two deaths, when he is buried in the ground and the last time someone says his name. In some ways men can be immortal.”
– Ernest Hemingway
One thought on “Memorial Day 2025: A Reflection”