MEMORIAL DAY 2026
 – Have We Lost Focus?

My Cousin was KIA/ Killed In Action at the end of his 2nd tour of duty in Viet Nam. Memorial Day represents a day of pride to some Gold Star families. It also triggers pain in the hearts of others. Many retired veterans and those who have lost someone in

military service feel like it’s been overshadowed in modern culture by the arrival of summer, sales events and barbecues.

I do see ways that Memorial Day is regaining its sense of true purpose. There are a few ways that people seem to be trying to honor the Memorial Day spirit that hopefully encourage others to do the same. 

Observe the National Moment of Remembrance: At 3:00 PM local time on Memorial Day, the U.S. observes a minute of silence. Participating in this and encouraging friends or family to pause with us is a powerful way to reclaim the day’s intent.

Share Personal Stories: Often, holidays lose their meaning when they become abstract. Sharing the stories of specific individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice whether through community groups, social media or conversations might help humanize the day for others.

Support Veterans and Families: Organizations that support the families of fallen service members or assist retired veterans often look for volunteers or advocates around Memorial Day. That might be one way of shifting the focus back to community care. While we can’t control how the broader culture treats the holiday, we can choose to observe it with intention and that often resonates with the people around us.