In addition to the festive events
of the day, such as picnics, concerts and parades, Memorial Day provides an opportunity
to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation. It
allows us to show support to the families and loved ones of those who have lost
their lives in defense of freedom and our country.
In recent years, Americans serving in conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have been lost. For their families and loved ones – who may be our neighbors, friends and coworkers – grief may be fresh and painful. Memorial Day is a time we should reach out and comfort them and let them know that we recognize and honor the sacrifice their loved one has made.
Additionally, this day of
remembrance is particularly meaningful to our nation’s Veterans who, amidst
Memorial Day activities, deserve support and recognition of their service and
the losses they may have experienced.
U.S. Veterans may be mourning brothers and
sisters in arms who were lost during World War II, Korea, or Vietnam. Past traumatic memories and losses are often
rekindled. This is a natural part of grieving and calls for our compassion and
support.
Hospice organizations throughout
the country are answering the call to serve our Veterans through NHPCO’s We
Honor Veterans
initiative. They know that supporting those around us can be as simple as lending
an ear or holding a hand.
Additionally, hospice and
palliative care professionals, who deal with loss on a daily basis, remind us
that sharing the range of thoughts, emotions and reactions we experience is
important. Whether it is pride or shame, grief or hope, fear or fatigue, it is healthy
to acknowledge what we are feeling.
In supporting those who are
grieving – whether it is a recent loss or one from years past – we honor those
who have sacrificed so much.
