A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself – Joseph Campbell
Unlike some holidays, an overwhelming sense of emotion floods over me when I think about the courageous men and women who have lost their lives while serving our country. To think about the very fact that they gave up everything…family, friendships, comfort, familiarity, life…to preserve the freedoms we enjoy is humbling.
I have several family members who served our country, one of which has since passed away, so Memorial Day is very personal for me. I know the sacrifices that were made…the physical, emotional and psychological suffering that accompany war. Yet without these brave men and women, we might live in a different type of country ruled by fear and control.
Traditionally, Memorial Day was a day of remembrance, but I also encourage you to think about those men and women who have since returned home. Serving our country is a huge honor and I don’t think we as a family say “thank you” or show our appreciation often enough. Perhaps you’ve become like our family, detached and even desensitized because war seems so far removed from our day-to-day living.
This Memorial Day, we will do more than simply fly the flag outside of our home, pausing momentarily to think about those who have fought so we don’t have to. My family will put together packages with handwritten letters for military families.
As a Walmart mom, I am constantly taken aback by how much is given back to the community. Recognizing that one of the biggeset needs for our nation’s veterans is employment (those between the ages of 18 and 24 face an unemployment rate of more than 20% which is twice the national average), the Walmart Foundation partnered with Goodwill to create a new program titled Operation: GoodJobs. This program will equip military veterans with the tools they need to seek employment, advance their careers and ensure long-term financial stability. Through the Walmart Foundation’s $1 million grant, veterans and their families in Austin, Houston, and Tacoma will receive career counseling, resume assistance, skills training, and job placement. What I like about the program is the fact that the program addresses the family as a whole, designing individualized plans for long-term economic security. If you know a veteran who could benefit from Operation: GoodJobs, you can call 1-800-GOODWILL.
Additionally, Walmart has partnered with Wreaths Across America to honor our nation’s heroes by laying wreaths at national cemeteries and memorial sites across the country. Some of the most noteworthy include Battery Park in New York City to honor 9/11 victims, Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, and Fayetteville National Cemetery.
Walmart recognizes the service of our nation’s heroic men and women through a number of ongoing initiatives, which can be found on their corporate website.
Have you personally known a heroic man or woman who’s served our country? How will you celebrate Memorial Day this weekend?
Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.
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My grandfather served for this country and so did my uncle. This day is special to me and we spent the day at home relaxing and enjoying a good meal together. 🙂
Both my grandfathers served in the military and my father served in Vietnam. It is still difficult for him to talk about his experiences in the army but I know he’s proud to have served his country.
This is a great post and a great time to honor veterans and those who fight for our peace and freedom.
Whirlwind of Surprises
It’s great that there are programs for returning vets to help them find employment. It looks good to have military service on an app but that doesn’t necessarily mean its easy for them to get a job.