On this Memorial Day, I offer my heartfelt thanks to all who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice, protecting the freedoms we cherish. My heart goes out to their families and friends.
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who died in service to their country. The holiday was officially proclaimed in 1868 to honor Union and Confederate soldiers. After World War I, it was expanded to honor all military personnel who died in service. In 1971, it became an official federal holiday known as Memorial Day. Today, Memorial Day honors over one million men and women who have died in military service since the Civil War began in 1861.
The American Red Cross estimates veterans represent around 7% of the adult U.S. population, and these former service members encounter challenges when transitioning back into civilian life. Donating to veterans is vital to ensuring that these men and women receive adequate care and support in the years following their service.
Whether the weekend includes time with family and friends or some much-needed home and yard projects, take a moment to appreciate the freedom of the long weekend and the transition to summer.
For me, the week ahead includes:
- Noodle Night tonight with Z: A beloved tradition that always brings comfort and joy. He’s back from a long weekend visiting the UP; this is his last week of kindergarten!
- Brand interviews with a new client: Exciting opportunities and fresh perspectives.
- Lunch with one of my guest speakers: A chance to catch up, exchange ideas and say thank you for supporting Metro State students.
- Two focus groups for Two Minutes Du Jour: Diving into valuable feedback and insights with several survey participants.
- One kid moving back to the Twin Cities to start a new job in June: Celebrating new beginnings.
- One kid interviewing for a new job due to upcoming layoffs at her current organization: Navigating transitions and embracing new opportunities.
Here’s to a meaningful Memorial Day and a fulfilling week ahead.
Links Du Jour:
What to know about Memorial Day and the meaning behind it – Axios
Donating to help veterans – American Red Cross
Wounded Warrior Project – Honor the fallen with a gift to support the wounded — Thanks to a generous matching gift from USAA, your Memorial Day donation will be matched $1-for-$1 up to $250,000 to help wounded warriors whose lives have been forever changed.
DAV—The DAV collects gently used items from donation pickups to donate to veterans and their families. It then sells these items in its thrift stores to raise money and fund other services such as free rides for medical appointments, job training for civilian employment, VA reform legislation, and more.
Two Minutes Du Jour 