It’s Memorial Day here in the United States. A day we honor those who died fighting for the freedoms we enjoy.
But war isn’t as simple as that, is it?
Many Americans just see Memorial Day as a long weekend to celebrate the unofficial start of summer. There’s also apparent confusion over the purpose of Memorial Day versus Veterans Day.
Memorial Day. Honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
Veterans Day. Honor and thank those who served in the military.
Thinking today about tragic overlap.
Memorial Day, honor the fallen. Veterans Day, honor those who served. Don't forget those who fell after they served. Click To Tweet
Last night a Facebook friend posted five photos with the following status:
Not all casualties of war die on the battlefield. In loving memory of my brother.
Her brother suffered from severe PTSD. He also developed cancer as a result of exposure to Agent Orange.
Close to Home
My husband’s dad, a Vietnam vet, committed suicide in 1981. On suicide watch in a VA hospital. On the Fourth of July. Just days before my husband’s ninth birthday.
From what I’ve heard, I can’t imagine what it must have been like to see, and then have to live with what he saw.
Would he still be alive if he didn’t have those demons added to the ones that already plagued him?
It’s impossible to know.
But did you know that it’s estimated that the suicide rate among veterans is about twice that of the general population?
The human mind is amazing. Unpredictably resilient and fragile.
Thinking today of all the loved ones who lost their warriors off the battlefield.
Thinking this Memorial Day of all who lost their warriors on and off the battlefield. Click To Tweet
Thanks for this thoughtful post, Lori.
I so appreciate this post. So sorry for all the loss and suffering your family has had. Hugs to you.