INSPIRATION

This Memorial Day we honor the fallen and celebrate the freedom so entwined with their sacrifice.

At Arlington National Cemetery on the first national commemoration of Memorial Day May 30, 1868, President John Garfield honored the fallen with these words:
“We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.”

However you honor Memorial Day, take a moment to remember that it began as a day of healing after the U.S. Civil War-a spark of hope that we could put aside the differences that almost destroyed the United States and live together in peace once again. Stout inspiration indeed for us all to come together.

“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt

ACTION

❶ Honor The Fallen
Visit USAA’s Poppy Memorial honoring the sacrifices of men & women of our Armed Forces since WWI, and add your own memorial online. You could also visit a national cemetery or memorial to pay respects by placing a flag or flowers.

❷ Help Those Left Behind
Volunteer or donate to an organization providing meaningful ways to honor the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes and compassionate care for those grieving the loss of a loved one.
▪ Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
▪ Carry The Load
▪ Soldiers’ Angels

❸ Live With Gratitude
In an increasingly digitally divided & divisive world, it can be hard to remember to practice gratitude and make positive connections with others every day. But just a bit of thankfulness shared with others can start a ripple effect of peace and inspire others to carry it forward.