Memorial Day: Remembering and Helping

Each year, the last Monday in May is our chance to pay tribute to those who gave their all so we could live like no other people in history. Memorial Day is an opportunity to consider those who have given everything to protect our country’s freedom as well as promote it in other lands.

Memorial Day is also a chance to show gratitude to veterans who fought along side those who gave their lives, and to express thankfulness to those who are currently waging war against terrorism and military action against us on our soil.

There’s not much more to write because words to express the gratitude we owe to these people are deficient. Others have put it very well, yet words can never be enough. For someone who gives solemn thought to what this day means, the emotion behind the simple words “thank you for the sacrifices” are inadequate.

It is overwhelming to attend a ceremony at Arlington. It's overwhelming to see the photos and videos of others who have lost someone who is as dear to them as life itself in the dreadful machine called war.

Who knows words that can assuage the heartbreak? There are none. Thankfully, there are some comforts left to those who grieve, but what human words could truly satisfy the need?

Remembering the facts and figures recorded by history is important. Future generations need us to document the details and share the personal stories of those whose sacrifices bought our freedoms.

Whenever possible we need to record the testimonies of our men and women who served in past wars and take advantage of the opportunity to get real stories from today’s military personnel. We need to share their stories on Memorial Day, true, but throughout the year, as well.

It seems appropriate to use this hub to encourage others to think about helping the people who serve our country on this Memorial Day, and offer suggestions on how to help them.

There are so many ways we can do something on behalf of those who put themselves on the front lines in defense of our lives. Being aware of the various opportunities to help them gives us a starting point.

Our way of life, our families, our history, and our future are all defended by a relatively small number of our citizens, but we can be part of their support system, and we can encourage others to do the same.

You may not be able to do much at this time, but you can inform yourself for future reference as well as for sharing the information with family and friends.

As part of your Memorial Day celebration please take the time to check out some of the following organizations that are established to help members of our military and their families. Enough said--here's your starting point:

Here You Are:

• http://www.give2thetroops.org/

• http://www.soldiersangels.org/

• http://www.anysoldier.com/

• http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/

• http://www.freewebs.com/helpourtroops/

• http://www.volunteer.va.gov/

• http://www.theveteranssupport.org/

• http://www.nchv.org/howtohelp.cfm

• http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/juneweb-only/126-53.0.html

• http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-08-04-ptsd-ministries_N.htm

• https://www.facebook.com/MilitaryFamiliesMinistry

• http://www.ministrytomilitary.org/

• http://www.thesoldiersfamily.com/

• http://www.adusa.com/FamNeeds.htm

• http://www.militaryfamilysupport.org/

• http://www.militaryfamily.org/

• http://www.militaryministry.org/families/

• http://www.militaryministry.org/

We don't have to wait for a holiday to honor those who serve us. Get involved today in an organization that supports them!

In case you haven't had the chance to think about it, now's the time to start planning how to celebrate Flag Day with family and/or friends. Too often the day comes and goes before we have a chance to prepare. Most of us would like to acknowledge it in some way, and you know what, we should! Hope you can!

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