What does Memorial Day mean to you? Do you have any stories to share?

2017-04-06T13:44:02-04:00

Memorial Day is recognized across the country in a variety of ways - what does the day mean to you? Any stories to share?

With that, RallyPoint has teamed up with the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation to make sure the fallen are honored at Arlington with a #FlowerOnEveryGrave. It's never been done before, and we need your help!

Help make sure no grave is left behind: http://rly.pt/2oeml0t

This is How We Properly Honor Our Fallen This Memorial Day

Memorial Day is about honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and took an oath to defend our country. Let's make sure they get the recognition they deserve by getting a #FlowerOnEveryGrave with @RallyPoint. Join us!

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Apr 6 at 2017 1:44 PM

2017-04-06T13:44:49-04:00

I donated! Did you?

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 6 at 2017 1:49 PM

2017-04-06T13:49:10-04:00

While I do not have a real comment on Memorial Day, I do want to know what the heck is going on with Color Guard? Not is the same uniform? At first I was hoping it was AF JROTC but the rank on the airmen proves that is not the case?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 2:34 PM

2017-04-06T14:34:03-04:00

RallyPoint Team Memorial Day is a time to gather with fellow brothers and sisters at a local Memorial Day event. I will be at Fort Vancouver, WA, for Memorial Day. I think about fallen buddies, my father, and uncles throughout the year.

Response by Sgt Deborah Cornatzer made Apr 6 at 2017 2:56 PM

2017-04-06T14:56:29-04:00

For as long as I can remember (50+ years) my family--extended and immediate--has gathered at our local park's Memorial Circle (erected in the early 60s). All Vineland Veterans KIA have a stone marker. 1Lt Robert S Gressman (to me Uncle Bob) was killed in the Battle of the Bulge. His marker is next to where the VFW and AL also stand. I grew up a witness to their devotion and respect. Most of my friends saw Memorial Day as a day off from school and the official beginning of the summer beach season. I remember thinking as a child and teenager (and still) that they miss the point. I'll never forget the first time I attended in uniform after I enlisted and I saluted our soldier!

May his memory (and that of all veterans KIA) be blessed.

Response by TSgt Dawn Premock made Apr 6 at 2017 3:19 PM

2017-04-06T15:19:36-04:00

Memorial Day is a day our family honors the family and friends who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Are there any RP members going to Arlington to help place the flowers?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 4:17 PM

2017-04-06T16:17:06-04:00

To me it is day to remember lost loved ones.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2017 12:36 AM

2017-04-07T00:36:24-04:00

Before service... Remembering that people served in my stead. After... Remembering that brothers and sisters sacrificed themselves for us.

Response by Kathlean Keesler made May 2 at 2017 9:35 PM

2017-05-02T21:35:18-04:00

What does Memorial Day mean to me? When I was a kid it meant get your chores done early (I was a farmers daughter - dairy farm Upstate NY) Then we would all get dressed up and go to a cemetery. We would walk about looking for names related to our own. My father would hold my hand amd make jokes. Six feet under, ain't got no bills anymore, give em some flowers. Then a parade. Then we would eat like kings and queens. Often I was fortunate to sit on the laps of veterans and hear stories about the 30 pounds rainbow trout they caught! It was this long! My eyes believed every word!

Response by 1SG Charles Blount made May 10 at 2017 9:34 AM

2017-05-10T09:34:33-04:00

Taking the time to reflect on those who have given all, so that me, my family, my grandchildren, still know peace in our country, still afforded the freedoms, these men and women paid the ultimate price for.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Baymiller made May 18 at 2017 9:02 PM

2017-05-18T21:02:50-04:00

I lost an Uncle defending my freedom as well as the freedom of his wife and children. His children and I barely knew him since we all were born in the early to mid 1940's.

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made May 19 at 2017 4:16 PM

2017-05-19T16:16:34-04:00

From the time I was old enough to understand military things and the special days set aside to recognize our veterans, I would anxiously await them to see my father marching in the parades with his Army Reserve unit (still wearing brown boots, I might add).
I was always very impressed with the appearance, the discipline and the music that accompanied the unit and that impression has stuck with me for more than 60 years.
Memorial Day was, of course, special because it ended in a cemetery where the rifle salute and taps would be rendered. I always left the cemetery with a heavy heart for those we honored; more so for those who never came home and never will.

I Have already purchased flowers for Arlington but will be visiting my parents grave at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI on Memorial Day.

Response by LCDR Jeff Hardy made May 19 at 2017 4:18 PM

2017-05-19T16:18:40-04:00

Any effort underway at the Annapolis cemeteries?

Response by CPO Scott Walker made May 19 at 2017 9:34 PM

2017-05-19T21:34:38-04:00

Its a day to remember those that gave it all defending the freedom we enjoy today! Chief sends....

Response by Terry Morris made May 20 at 2017 4:53 AM

2017-05-20T04:53:49-04:00

My fallen father was an Air Force Tuskegee pilot. His plane crashed during the Cuban Missile Crisis when I was 3 yrs old. Growing up without him in our life was difficult for my mother and siblings.

We remember and honor him and all members of the military who have made the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country. My sister was also an Air Force Tuskegee pilot and my Uncle survived the Korean war.

I would love to be a part of the flower on every grave campaign for the Raleigh National Cemetery where my father was laid to rest. I would like to get information on how I can get roses for the graves at this location.

Response by LTC Richard Pendleton made May 20 at 2017 5:06 PM

2017-05-20T17:06:29-04:00

While stationed in Germany on 4 tours of duty, I participated in services at the Saint Avoid American Military Cemetery in France. Never to be forgotten.

Response by SP5 Jason Echavez made May 20 at 2017 8:17 PM

2017-05-20T20:17:05-04:00

For my family and I, its the day that we remember and thank our family and friends that made the ultimate sacrifice.

Response by MSgt John Butcher made May 21 at 2017 7:40 AM

2017-05-21T07:40:58-04:00

Remembering all Veterans past and present who have given us the freedom that we enjoy. I'm proud to have served and been a member of an honor guard unit.

Response by SGT Chris Shepard made May 23 at 2017 8:49 AM

2017-05-23T08:49:02-04:00

U know we will be there

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2017 12:36 PM

2017-05-25T12:36:25-04:00

I cannot make it to a National Cemetery as it is about a 2 hour drive, from where I live and I have memorial dedication to attend on Monday. I AM !!!! going to go to my local cemeteries where I have family and friends of different services and place flowers on there graves.

Response by PV2 Calob Mead made May 27 at 2017 5:34 PM

2017-05-27T17:34:53-04:00

How do i get flags to place

Response by CPL Peter King made Jul 28 at 2021 10:53 PM

2021-07-28T22:53:53-04:00

On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month the guns fell silent. The war to end all wars was over.

To me Memorial Day is the same Armistice Day. It’s a time to remember, to honor those that gave all. It’s also a day to celebrate our freedom. We need to remember that all gave some, some gave all.

Response by CPL Peter King made Jul 28 at 2021 11:08 PM

2021-07-28T23:08:44-04:00

You need to watch this, from our neighbors to the frozen North.

https://youtu.be/2kX_3y3u5Uo

Terry Kelly - A Pittance of Time (Official Version)

Please visit http://terry-kelly.com/digital-download-information for High Resolution Digital Download. On November 11, 1999 Terry Kelly was in a drug store ...

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Aug 5 at 2021 10:38 PM

2021-08-05T22:38:24-04:00

Thanks for sharing

Response by PO3 Rick Lewis made Aug 29 at 2021 3:27 PM

2021-08-29T15:27:23-04:00

It means remembering my dad mostly but all deceased servicemen also as he's the one who understood me and encouraged me to follow my heart and join up.