For many, Memorial Day marks the official start to summer. It also makes for a much-needed three-day weekend after the long slog of winter -- and a pandemic. And while we all love the time off, it is important that we remember the real reason for this holiday.
Memorial Day, which was founded as Decoration Day in 1868, is a time to honor the military men and women who died while serving our country. To do this, American flags are placed at the half-staff position, people lay wreaths or flowers at cemeteries and memorials and parades are held in towns and cities across the country. It should be a solemn occasion, one to recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States of America.
This Memorial Day (Monday, May 31) will be different from those pre-COVID-19. However, with vaccinations on the rise and positive cases dropping, some traditions, which were cancelled in 2020, are returning. That aside, there is always one very important way we can recognize the occasion.
“The means of paying tribute vary from person to person,” said Gary Purcell, president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154. “But a moment of silence is available to everyone.”
Purcell, a Vietnam War veteran, helps lead the Clinton Township-based Veterans Support Center. With COVID restrictions being lifted, the organization will be paying tribute with memorial services and color guard ceremonies.
“The day itself is sacred to all veterans,” he said. “It is our job to make sure this holiday is not forgotten. The sacrifice of our fallen brothers and sisters is meaningless if we don’t remember it.”
For Purcell, there are several ways members of the general public can observe Memorial Day.
“If you can display an American flag, that’s a way to show support,” he said. “It’s also important that we spend time teaching young people about the sacrifice countless individuals made serving their country and protecting our freedoms.
There are also several other opportunities to mark the occasion, including:
- Attending a local parade, like the 68th annual St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 30.
- Tuning in to the National Memorial Day Concert on Sunday, May 30 at 8 p.m. This award-winning television event honors the military service and sacrifice of all men and women in uniform, their families and those who passed while serving their country.
- Checking out the Poppy Wall of Honor, which went virtual last year and will continue to exist online for 2021. Americans can honor and remember fallen warriors at poppyinmemory.com. Visitors can dedicate a virtual poppy to anyone who died in a military conflict, a number that included 645,000 service members since the beginning of World War I.
Observing Memorial Day can also come in the form of making a donation to a veterans organization.
“Here in our chapter, every day is Memorial Day,” said Purcell. “We run a support center that offers important services to veterans and their families. We have a food pantry, we write disability claims and we make connections for benefits and health care. But right now, given the current situation, some veterans may get left behind. We are working to make sure that doesn’t happen...and there’s no better way to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Donations can be made to the VVA Chapter 154. There are also a number of other veterans organizations that can receive support. This funding helps ensure services continue for individuals that put duty before self.
“Our organization and organizations across the country are here for veterans and their families whenever they need help,” said Purcell. “We are an entry point to services and we do not leave people out. It’s just what we do. We’ve got your six.”
If you are a veteran or the family of a veteran, you can access support services through the VVA Chapter 154 Veterans Support Center by contacting 586-776-9810. You can also reach out to the Macomb County Office of Veterans Services. Call 586-469-5315 to get in touch.
Megan Ochmanek is a senior communications specialist for Macomb County Planning and Economic Development.
