The one thing you should be sure to do on Memorial Day

Memorial Day is the traditional beginning of the summer season in the US and on Memorial Day we have backyard barbecues, we go to the pool, or perhaps we take the family to the beach or on a road trip.

There are so many things we can do on a long weekend but I suggest the one most impactful trip you can make on Memorial Day is to a national cemetery near you.  I promise the visit will make a last impression.

Did you or someone in your family Serve?

Just 10% of the US population has served in the military and our country and countries around the world owe them a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifices in defense of democracy and our way of life.

I was honored to be able to place American flags on some of the graves in Los Angeles National Cemetery this past Saturday.  Even though I’m a veteran and led burial details during the Vietnam war, walking along the rows of markers on Saturday was an emotional journey.  It reminded me so poignantly of the men I served with. Some of who did not come home to their families.

If you served, visiting a cemetery will reinforce your bond with the men and women resting there.  Even if you aren’t a veteran, a visit will honor those interred there and establish a connection you will always remember.  Take a moment to read the grave markers and reflect on the lives that might have been lived.  Lives given to preserve and protect our democracy.

How to Find a National Cemetery Near You

It’s easy to find a local national cemetery. The Veterans Administration maintains a listing of all national cemeteries on the Internet at https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/listcem.asp Just click your state on the map for a list. While not every state has a national cemetery, many states have established state veteran cemeteries.

The 2021 VetsRally4Vets

I will be visiting National Cemeteries in September of this year when I drive from Los Angeles to Washington, DC for the first annual VetsRally4Vets motorsports competition to prevent veteran suicide.  Read about the details here – 2021VetsRally4Vets.  

Details on our cross-country route will be posted on https://vetsrally4vets.com by the end of July.
Thank you for reading this post.  We would love to hear about your experiences if you do visit a cemetery.