Tips for Memorial Day Remembrances from Charles Laverty

With Memorial Day approaching, we look forward to celebrating with family and friends and enjoying the beginning of the summer season. Writing from his home in Newport Beach, Charles Laverty, CEO of Advanced Bifurcation Systems, says Memorial Day should be a celebration of life and a time to appreciate our heritage and enjoy the freedom we have. However, he also urges Americans not to forget why they have the freedom to celebrate. He believes every American should find a way to express gratitude that others were willing to sacrifice their lives for their country.

Ways people remember

On Memorial Day, there are many ways people can honor the fallen soldiers. The National Moment of Remembrance Act passed by Bill Clinton when he was president asks people to observe a moment of silence in honor of the fallen at 3pm in the afternoon.

Others are proud to fly the flag at half-staff or attend Memorial Day parades in their cities. Those who have personally experienced tragic losses will usually visit the grave of a loved one. Veterans remember those who fought with them and lost their lives. Those who have experienced tragic losses do not have to be reminded of the significance of Memorial Day. They carry the grief with them every day.

We should all remember

Charles Laverty, a commentator on the U.S. healthcare system, believes that fallen soldiers should not only be remembered by those who have personally been touched by losses. Everyone should remember that we owe gratitude and respect to those who fought to preserve our values and way of life.

Arlington Cemetery

President Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day last year where he participated in a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. More than 400,000 soldiers have been laid to rest in this cemetery which was established during the Civil War. Graves of soldiers from the Civil War and reinterred remains from earlier wars are found there as well as those of soldiers who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq.

One of these is Marine 1st Lieutenant. Robert Kelly, son of President Trump’s Chief of Staff, John Kelly. He lost his life in Afghanistan in 2010. President Trump and Vice-President, Mike Pence, both laid flowers on his grave. John Kelly, also a veteran, gave a eulogy for his son. Just two days later, he gave a eulogy for two other Marines who were killed when they tried to stop a suicide bomber.

Support Organizations

Many organizations help to support the families of the fallen. One of these is the USO, a non-profit organization that currently operates from almost 200 locations around the world. Since 1941, it has provided entertainment, recreational opportunities and care to military members and their families.

It relies on donations from individuals, organizations, and corporations for its programs. In 2017, its centers were visited more than seven million times by members of the military and their families. An important aspect of what it does is to support the families of the fallen. It partners with other organizations such as the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to help families to deal with their tragic losses.

Make it personal

People who have no connection to those who lost their lives in battle may find it difficult to understand the true significance of Memorial Day. For children, it’s hard for them to wrap their heads around something so abstract.

Charles Laverty suggests getting them to write a letter of thanks a veteran is a great way to make the day more personal. A Million Thanks is an organization that passes on these letters. Doing just one small thing can help a child to connect and begin to understand the significance of the day.