Most veterans do not want to be thanked for their service on Memorial Day because the day is set aside for those who lost their lives in battle.

Memorial Day is meant to be a moment to recognize the soldiers that died in battle, so that is why the day is marked with somber gatherings and moments of silence.

Veteran's Day in November is set aside to recognize those who served who are still living.

I grew up in a family that was very focused on the military since all 5 of my uncles' and my dad served in the military. I was taught at a very young age that even though you mean well, it is not polite to thank a serviceman for his service on Memorial Day, you wait until Veteran's Day to do that, or any other day of the year.

Some veterans will be polite and thank you back, but know that it shows that you don't know what Memorial Day is all about.

Memorial Day is the most well-known of the military holidays because it is marked by the official beginning of summer and a day to gather the family for a cookout, a day at the beach, or a cookout by the pool.

All of those celebrations are good, but at some point during the day, you need to take a moment to reflect on the lives lost that have given us our freedom or defended our freedom because freedom is not free.

Especially with what is going on in Ukraine right now, we sometimes take our freedom for granted while in Ukraine they are at war for their freedom.

So this Memorial Day, reflect on our freedom but also say a prayer or remember the men that are battling the Russians because they are at war right now for their freedom.

 

15 Ways You Can Help People in Ukraine Right Now

As Americans watch events unfold in Ukraine, many wonder how they can help. Below is a list of organizations responding to the crisis in Ukraine along with information on how you can support their various missions. 

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