The Importance Of Memorial Day: A Day Of Remembrance And Reflection

Memorial Day serves as a time to honor the people who lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Observed on the last Monday in May, this day invites Americans to reflect on the human costs of war and to show gratitude for those whose lives were given in service. Below, learn about the origins of Memorial Day, how to honor it as a day of remembrance, and the challenges faced by living veterans who have made sacrifices for their country.

Work through mental health challenges on Memorial Day in therapy

Connect with a therapist

What is Memorial Day?

Many communities hold an annual Memorial Day parade, where veterans, active-duty service members, and local organizations march to honor fallen soldiers. In addition to these solemn traditions, Memorial Day is widely considered the beginning of summer, when many gather with friends and family for barbecues, picnics, and outdoor activities. 

The historical roots of Memorial Day in the Civil War

The origins of Memorial Day can be traced to the aftermath of the American Civil War. The Civil War claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history, leaving an unparalleled impact on the nation. With an estimated 620,000 to 750,000 deaths — amounting to about 2% of the population — the war touched nearly every American family. 

This staggering loss of life led to widespread grief, and, as was common at the time, people paid their respects by decorating the graves of those who died in battle. Across the nation, in the North and the South, many states and locales began holding days of remembrance for Civil War soldiers. 

Memorial Day as a federal holiday

In 1868, General John A. Logan designated May 30 as a day to honor fallen comrades by adorning their graves with flowers and other decorations, a tradition known as Decoration Day. Although initially focused on Civil War soldiers, the widespread loss of life during World War I and II expanded the day’s purpose to include all servicemembers across all conflicts, with the name “Memorial Day” becoming commonplace after World War II.

In 1968, Congress voted to move Memorial Day to the last Monday in May. Known as the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, this vote made Memorial Day an official federal holiday and took effect in 1971. Since then, Memorial Day has been marked by solemn ceremonies nationwide, including the annual tradition at Arlington National Cemetery, where the president or vice president lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor those who gave their lives in service to the country.

How to honor Memorial Day as a day of remembrance

While the Memorial Day holiday may hold an unofficial role as the start of summer, honoring its true meaning as a day to remember and reflect can be a way to connect more deeply with the profound costs of war and the sacrifices made throughout history. Below are a few ways to pay your respects on Memorial Day.

Visit a cemetery or war memorial

Traditionally, Memorial Day has been a time when families, friends, and volunteers visit national cemeteries to adorn the graves of veterans with flowers, flags, and wreaths. Whether you have a personal connection with a fallen servicemember or wish to show gratitude for the sacrifices of veterans, you might consider honoring the holiday by participating in this tradition. 

Participate in the moment of silence

The National Moment of Remembrance observed at 3:00 PM local time, invites Americans to pause for one minute in honor of members of the Armed Forces. This small, reflective act serves as a time to collectively acknowledge the sacrifices made during war. Consider setting a calendar reminder to dedicate a moment of your day to remembrance and gratitude.

Attend a Memorial Day parade

Memorial Day parades can be a meaningful and enjoyable way to honor military personnel and fallen servicemembers. Hosted by local organizations, veterans' groups, and leaders in many communities across the country, these parades typically feature marching bands, honor guards, veterans, and floats. 

Support military charities

Military charities play a vital role in supporting service members, veterans, and their families. They provide essential services such as financial assistance, mental health resources, housing support, and career training. Many also focus on supporting the families of those who died in service. On Memorial Day, consider showing your support by donating to or volunteering with one of these charities. 

Learn and share history

Learning about the wars that shaped history and the events that precipitated them can be an especially meaningful way to engage with the meaning of Memorial Day. By exploring the conflicts that defined the sacrifices of lost servicemembers, you can become a steward of history and ensure that the lessons of the past are remembered. 

How Memorial Day can foster conversations about veterans’ mental health

While Memorial Day generally honors those who lost their lives in service, this holiday can also be a time to recognize the sacrifices made by living veterans. Veterans often face unique mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, substance use disorders, traumatic brain injury (TBI), homelessness, and suicide. 

Posttraumatic stress syndrome (PSTD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that develops following a traumatic event, such as engaging in combat. The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that roughly 29% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have experienced PTSD in their lifetime. Left untreated, this disorder can lead to severe emotional distress, difficulty maintaining relationships, and challenges in daily functioning, making access to effective treatment crucial.

Depression

Data from the CDC suggest that 31% of veterans experience symptoms of major depressive disorder, which is significantly higher than that of the general population. These symptoms can include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating, all of which can impair an individual’s ability to function and impede reintegration into civilian life. 

Suicide

Suicide risk among veterans remains high. In 2022, the suicide rate was 34.7 per 100,000, double that of non-veteran U.S. adults at 17.1 per 100,000. Veterans aged 18 to 34 face the greatest risk, with a rate of 47.6 per 100,000. Depression and PTSD are significant contributors, often exacerbated by the challenges of reintegration and untreated mental health conditions. However, with comprehensive treatment, veterans can often find ways to manage their symptoms and find meaningful paths forward.

Substance use disorders (SUD)

Substance use disorders, characterized by chronic drug and alcohol use despite negative consequences, are estimated to affect more than 10% of veterans, and many who receive care from the Veterans Health Administration show symptoms of both SUD and a co-occurring mental health disorder such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety. SUDs not only take a significant toll on health and well-being but can also place individuals at an increased risk of homelessness.

Homelessness

Veterans face an increased risk of homelessness compared to the general population. According to data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, on a single night in January 2023, 35,574 veterans were experiencing homelessness, an increase of 7.4% from 2022. Higher homelessness rates among veterans may be attributed to mental health issues, substance use disorders, and difficulties securing stable employment, making comprehensive support essential for recovery and reintegration.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been described as a “signature wound” of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan due to the high numbers of TBI cases seen in these operations. TBI can have profound effects on mental health, leading to symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Early and comprehensive treatment is essential to improve long-term outcomes for veterans living with the effects of TBI.

Memorial Day is not only a day to honor those whose lives were lost in war, but also an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing struggles faced by living veterans. This holiday can be a meaningful time to advocate for better support systems that help ensure veterans receive the care they need and to support the organizations currently working to improve outcomes for veterans.

Work through mental health challenges on Memorial Day in therapy

Connect with a therapist

Online mental health support for veterans

Veterans often face unique mental health challenges that can make it difficult to adjust to life after deployment. With compassionate, evidence-based mental health care, however, many can manage symptoms, rebuild their lives, and thrive. Mental health treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, are well-supported by research, having been found effective for treating a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. 

Research indicates that CBT is as effective whether delivered virtually or in person, and many prefer the accessibility and affordability of online therapy platforms like BetterHelp. With an online platform, you can attend weekly sessions with a licensed therapist by phone, video call, or live chat. You can also benefit from tools and features like guided journaling, digital therapy worksheets, educational webinars, and daily messaging with your therapist.