My old man died from cardiac arrest on President's Day of 2023 at St. Luke's Magic Valley. He's been on my mind a lot lately, and although he didn't die while on active duty, I'm still going to honor his contribution to our country all weekend long.
Today is Memorial Day, and while many are excited to have a longer weekend for family time, camping, barbecuing, fishing, relaxing etc. ... we need to remember that Memorial Day is a day for pausing, and honoring our fallen veterans and military personnel who have laid down their lives for this country and for all of us.
Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have fallen serving for our country at war. It's also a time to show your appreciation and give thanks to those who have served and are serving. I'm always appreciative of their bravery and putting everything on the line for something bigger than themselves...
The afternoon also aims at raising awareness of the sad reality of veteran suicide, which claimed more than 500 lives in 2018 and continues to happen at a high rate in the country, according to a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs annual suicide prevention report.