“I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Memorial Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did.” – Benjamin Harrison, 23rd US President (1889-1893)
I received the above quote in an e-mail a few days ago in commemoration of Memorial Day, and I think it is something worth reflecting on.
This Memorial Day, we are reminded of the sacrifice made by the veterans and active military in our country. We are called upon to remember them, to thank them, and to honor them. And while we recognize the sacrifice by lowering the flag to half mast, it is important, as asserted by Benjamin Harrison , also to celebrate our veterans and to rejoice in the freedoms we now enjoy due to their heroism.
This is especially important for funeral professionals as we are called upon every day to serve, honor, and celebrate the veterans in our community. And while Memorial Day is a good reminder for us all to do so, it is our duty in the funeral industry to treat every day like it is Memorial Day.
How do you celebrate the veterans in your community? What efforts do you make to commemorate the many sacrifices made? From hosting seminars that educate veterans and their families on their entitled benefits to engaging on social media to inviting veterans to come share their wartime stories in order to help preserve their legacy, there are numerous things you can do to ensure veterans around the country are honored and remembered as the heroes they are.
So this Memorial Day, think about the strides you are making to honor and celebrate the veterans in your community. Are you doing enough? Could you do more?
And to all the veterans and active military out there, we thank you for the service to our country. We appreciate it more than you know, and your service, sacrifices, and heroism will never be forgotten.
Happy Memorial Day, everyone!