Remembering the real reasons behind Memorial Day.
1. Americans gave their lives to defeat the Nazis. The Dutch have never forgotten. (Washington Post)
For 70 years, the Dutch have come to a verdant U.S. cemetery outside this small village to care for the graves of Americans killed in World War II.
2. Her son was killed in Afghanistan last year. This is her first Memorial Day as a Gold Star mother. (Texas Public Radio)
It’s been less than a year since 13 service members were killed in Kabul, Afghanistan during the final days of the U.S. evacuation. As Americans commemorate Memorial Day, Cheryl Rex finds solace in remembering.
3. What Gold Star families wished everyone knew about Memorial Day (Task & Purpose)
“Each year on Memorial Day, I return to section 60, where I reconnect with other Gold Star families. We discuss how we survive the days carrying around giant holes in our hearts.”
4. This Memorial Day, Gary Sinise shares his ‘personal life mission’ to honor America’s military. (Fox News)
“Through my many travels, visiting combat zones, our wounded in the hospitals and especially spending time with our precious families of our fallen heroes – it has become a personal life mission to honor and remember those who selflessly serve and sacrifice so much.”
5. For Memorial Day, telling the stories behind the gravestones (Washington Post)
Don Milne is the creator of Stories Behind the Stars, an effort to research every last U.S. solider, sailor, airman and Marine who died in World War II and write a brief essay about each.
6. ‘My heart is in Arlington’: What Memorial Day means to one Gold Star family. (NPR)
The Piers said they had no words to describe when they found out Noah was killed…but when Marine Corps officials asked where they would like to bury their son, they knew eactly where: Arlington.
7. Why Do We Observe Memorial Day? (USA Today)
No, Memorial Day isn’t about a long weekend road trip, backyard barbecue or sales. The real meaning of the national holiday is much more somber.
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© Dominic Moore, 2022
