Memorial Day is Everyday

Memorial Day on Long Island was a windy, sunny day. Families got together. Parades were filled with more marchers than in the Covid years. Social Media was filled with thoughts of. Remembrance. Michael Murphy from a nearby town, Navy SEAL and medal of honor winner for his heroism during Operation Red Wings now has a museum dedicated in his honor and to those who died during that operation. The local paper quoted his father at the remembrance ceremony. Gary Sinise hosted a ceremony on PBS in honor of the day. I have multiple accounts and opportunities to post my own thoughts on Monday, but I chose not. You ask why?

Especially, after all, I write novels about former military men and women, including those lost in service of their country. I am a daughter, wife and mother. My father was a Navy Lieutenant during World War II. His brother’s served. My husband’s uncles served. My nephews—one marine, one army. My godson—Coast Guard. I have taught classes for pararescue lanes. Here’s why.

Memorial Day is a day set aside to honor those who have bravely served and sacrificed their lives for our country. However, for Gold Star families, every day is Memorial Day. For those who don't know, a Gold Star family is a family who has a member who died while serving in the military. These families have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and it's important to remember them not just on Memorial Day but every day.

The term "Gold Star" comes from the tradition of families hanging a gold star in their windows during World War I to indicate that they had a family member serving in the military. If that family member died, the gold star in the window would be replaced with a blue one. Today, a Gold Star family is a family that has lost a loved one in any branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves.

Losing a loved one is never easy, but it's especially difficult when that person was serving our country. For any family, the grief is constant and never goes away. Every holiday, every birthday, and every milestone is a reminder of the loved one they have lost. It's a lifelong journey of learning to live without that person and finding ways to honor their memory.

One way to support Gold Star families is to simply acknowledge their loss and express your condolences. You can do this by sending a card or making a phone call. You could also donate to organizations that support Gold Star families, such as the Gold Star Family Registry or TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors).

It's important not just to remember our fallen heroes on Memorial Day, but every day. We must never forget the sacrifices they made for our country and the families they left behind. We can honor their memories by telling their stories and sharing their legacies. We can also support those who continue to serve in the military and their families, knowing that any one of them could become a Gold Star family at any time.

Every day is Memorial Day for Gold Star families. They have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and it's important to remember them not just on Memorial Day but every day. Let us never forget the sacrifices they made for our country and the families they left behind.

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