Honoring Memorial Day

Over time the meaning of Memorial Day has been overshadowed by cookouts, parties, big sales, and a long weekend to kick off summer. While we can appreciate the fun things that come along with this time of year, it’s important for us to recognize those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

We are honored to sit down with Valerie’s House Gold Star Mother, Kim Hayes, who has dedicated her life to helping veterans and other Gold Star Families in honor of her son and hero, Taylor, who died in 2016. She talks about how her personal grief has led her to take action to help others.

“The more I grieve, the more I serve,” Kim said. “And I am so grateful to have found Valerie’s House to help my two grandchildren find their own language to express their grief.”

Listen to the Grieve Love Heal episode on Memorial Day HERE.

Kim recalls the first time she visited Valerie’s House for a military open house and saw the home for the first time. The house looked almost identical to the house they had lived in for years; it felt like a sign that she was where she was meant to be.

While there, she witnessed a moment that showed her the true power of connection when another young child leaned over to her granddaughter and said, “My dad was in the Army, and he died.” Her granddaughter leaned in and said, “So did mine.” Watching this interaction, Kim understood the importance of peer connection and has attended Valerie’s House in Naples ever since.

For Gold Star Families, Memorial Day is every day, but for the rest of the world, Memorial Day is one day.

Kim said, “Our family members did not live to be recognized the other 364 days. It’s right to set that day aside and enjoy time with your family, but please don’t do that without pausing and recognizing why you have the freedom to do so.”

This Memorial Day, we ask you to find a moment to honor our fallen service members.

Here are some ways to show your support and love for the families and those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Avoid saying “Happy Memorial Day.” Instead, talk about “Honoring Memorial Day.” You could say, “I hope you have a meaningful Memorial Day.”
If you see a Gold Star Family, don’t be afraid to ask about their hero.
It’s not about politics and policies; it’s about real lives that were lost.
Reach out to your local VFW, American Legion or Veteran’s Council to find out how you can honor Memorial Day.
If you don’t know the name of someone who died in service, find out and learn more about a fallen hero to remember them. Say their names.
Participate in a local Memorial Day Day ceremony or flag placement (many local cemeteries have services).
Show your support with a Remembrance Poppy Pin.