Memorial Day - Blue Star Families

This Memorial Day ...

Blue Star Families honors the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Their courage, valor, and selflessness will forever be etched in our hearts. Join us in honoring the sacrifices of our fallen heroes. Let's keep their memory alive and their legacy of bravery shining bright.

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Memorial Day Honor Wall

In honor of my good friend James R. Dragoti who died in Vietnam, November, 1965. A true American hero.

Patrick L.

Bel Air, MD

Ad Astra Per Aspera. Thank You for being Semper Fidelis. Love You, Always. Stephanie Louise Daggett-Velez. Honoring Our Heroes.

Stephanie Louise D.

Roseville, CA

To our Great Grand Parents , Grand Parents and past family members. Thank you for your sacrifices as we continue to serve our country in your Honor.

Vicki G.

EWA Beach, HI

My husband is retired Marine Corps special operations Veteran. He lost a lot of friends in his years in Afghanistan. Two men in particular he holds quite dear to his heart. Because I had to give my full name and email address, I’m not going to mention their names. I don’t want to ask my husband if it’s OK because it will just trigger things....

Kirsten H.

White Lake, NY

We thank you for your service. We honor you for your sacrifice. We are in awe of you for your bravery. We celebrate you as a hero.

Stacie O.

Breese, IL

During the war in Iraq, my spouse lost his best friend, Justin. They grew up together, decided to join together, and shared a love of country. We continue to honor Justin each and every day by never wavering in reliving our cherished memories. We tell our children about him, laugh and joke as we reflect on times spent together, and never forget why he chose...

Adriene E.

El Paso, TX

Let us carry forward the memory of our fallen heroes with pride and dedication. May their courage inspire us to strive for a better world for our children and to live each day with the same honor and integrity they exemplified.

Sabrina H.

Metuchen, NJ

In remembrance of COL Arthur Lee Shreve, Jr. who served in three wars...and all whose dedication will never be forgotten: It can be said in the best moments of life, when we are touched by special people, they do not merely leave behind an impression, but a certain spark; an incandescence which will live on in our hearts and minds, and make us feel the...

Heather S.

Hampstead, MD

Remembering all the brave men and women who have given their lives for this country. You are not forgotten. You are honored and remembered. Though it is not enough, thank you for protecting our country, our freedom and our lives. To anyone who was given a flag instead of their loved one, I am deeply sorry for your loss. May God watch over them in...

Jessica H.

Oxnard, CA

Remembering your courage in Viet Nam during the Tet Offensive when you were severely injured and thus earning you the Bronze Star with "V" for Valor and the Purple Heart.

John T.

Manassas, VA

Thank you for your sacrifices, thank you for your bravery, for protecting us, and defending our rights!

Marquiel J.

Hazlehurst, MS

May God Bless the families of the fallen, May God comfort them. May God Bless & comfort those who served along side of them as they deal with the after affects.

Nancy R.

The Villages, FL

Join us in writing a message of thanks and remembrance to our Honor Wall, honoring the sacrifices of our fallen heroes.

Let's keep their memory alive and their legacy of bravery shining bright.

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What is the significance of Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring and remembering the men and women who have died while serving in the country's armed forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May each year.

Learn more about Memorial Day:

Origins and History of Memorial Day

Civil War Origins: Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War, a conflict that claimed more lives than any other conflict in U.S. history and necessitated the establishment of the country's first national cemeteries.

Decoration Day: It was originally known as Decoration Day, from the tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags. The first widespread observance of Decoration Day was on May 30, 1868, after a proclamation by General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union Veterans.

Transition to Memorial Day: Over time, Decoration Day evolved to become Memorial Day, and it expanded to honor all Americans who died in military service, not just those from the Civil War. The name Memorial Day was first used in 1882 and became more common after World War II.

Modern Observance of Memorial Day

National Moment of Remembrance: In 2000, Congress established a National Moment of Remembrance, which asks Americans to pause for one minute at 3:00 PM local time on Memorial Day to reflect on the sacrifices of those who died in service to the nation.

Traditions: Common traditions include visiting cemeteries and memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. Volunteers often place American flags on graves of military personnel in national cemeteries.

Significance: Memorial Day serves as a time for Americans to reflect on the high cost of freedom and to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the country. It is distinct from Veterans Day, which honors all U.S. military Veterans, not just those who died in service.

Memorial Day is a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of American military personnel who have given their lives in service to their country.

Blue Star Families Memorial Day Events

9/11 Memorial & Museum Blue Star Families Community Day
May 27, 2024
New York Tri-State Chapter

Our friends at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum are hosting a Community Evening for Blue Star Families, offering free admission on Monday, May 27 from 5:30 — 7:00 PM ET. This event provides an opportunity to honor the memory of those lost and recognize the courage and sacrifice of survivors and first responders. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum serves as a monument to human dignity, courage, and sacrifice, honoring the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993. It also salutes those who risked their lives to help others during these tragic events.

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wear blue: run to remember Memorial Day Run
May 27, 2024
Puget Sound Chapter

Help us honor the fallen by participating in their annual Memorial Day Run at Powderworks Park in DuPont. Opening remarks begin at 9 AM PT. Run as little or as much as you would like, and wear blue to show your support. We will be in attendance with other community partners, so make sure to stop by our table and say hello!

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