Memorial Day: A Time to Remember Those Who Gave It All
Memorial Day falls on May 25, 2026. It’s a day we set aside to remember and honor those who gave it all on the battlefield.
An off schedule post
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Introduction
Memorial Day is very important because it recognizes the sacrifices made by so many in wartime. It directly affects many of us because we have family members who served and died. Given how many service members have paid the ultimate price, it is only fitting.
How many, you ask? The number is staggering. Over 1.3 million service members have died in battle throughout American history. Between 620,000 and 750,000 in the Civil War, 405,399 in WWII, 116,516 in WWI, 58,209 in Vietnam, and 36,574 in Korea. In the modern era, from 1980 to 2022, 60,770 total deaths were recorded, and interestingly, 83% were the result of accidents, illness, or self-inflicted wounds rather than in combat (Note 1). I would like to mention that there is a national suicide hotline that is available to anyone to talk, text, or chat online. It’s as simple as calling 988. See Note 2 for the link and complete details.
Yes, this is a tremendous number of people who paid the ultimate sacrifice, so you and I could live in freedom. I hope you take a few minutes to honor these heroes today. Where I live in Tulsa, OK, they always have a ceremony at Memorial Park Cemetery, and I try to attend every year. For the past several years, we have been able to attend Memorial Day ceremonies at Lorraine American Cemetery in St. Avold, France (Note 3), where my uncle, August Giustozzi, is buried, having died in battle liberating France in November 1944. I’m always glad I took the time to honor the fallen; it is a moving experience.
The history of Memorial Day
Communities held local tributes to the war dead, with the earliest occurring in Charleston, SC in 1865 by freed slaves.
The first official Memorial Day took place on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring fallen Union Soldiers by decorating their graves. It was originally called Decoration Day and was proclaimed by General John Logan.
It evolved after WWI to honor all US service members who died in war and became a national holiday in 1971, commemorated on the last Monday in May. Over time, Memorial Day became a more common term for the holiday, and the name was officially changed by federal law in 1967.
The red poppy, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” became a symbol of remembrance in the 1920s.
For over 1 million of us, it’s personal
As I mentioned earlier, over 1.3 million service members have made the supreme sacrifice for their country, giving their lives for our freedom. Many of you have family members who were killed at some point in your family history.
For me, three generations of Giustozzis have served in our military, and one gave his life. Whether I have been in Memorial Cemetery in Tulsa, OK, Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia (close to where I grew up in Alexandria), or Lorraine US Military Cemetery in St. Avold, France, when I hear taps, see the retiring of the colors, or hear a rifle salute, I can’t help but shed a tear for all those lost.
I hope you will take a few minutes to honor our war dead. Thank those who have served or are serving, as well.
That’s all for today!
August N. Giustozzi,
Lorraine US Military Cemetery, St.
Avoid, France
Afterburner Success Partners
What’s in it for Me
We will always remember. We will never forget.
Call to Action
Honor those who served and gave their lives for our freedom.
Recommended Resources
Buy and read any of the books mentioned in the notes below.
Up Next
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Notes
Please note that as an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission on the sale of any of these recommended resources.
How many people have died in the US military, and how?, USAfacts: https://usafacts.org/articles/how-have-military-deaths-changed-over-time/
988lifeline: https://988lifeline.org
Lorraine American Cemetery, American Battle Monuments Commission: https://www.abmc.gov/video/lorraine-american-cemetery/?utm_campaign=Website
History of Memorial Day: https://www.danversma.gov/517/History-of-Memorial-Day
Everyday Cooking for Everyday People Like Us, by David Giustozzi: https://amzn.to/437OhVQ
Achieve Your Dreams: A Complete Guide to Live Your Best Life by David Giustozzi: https://amzn.to/3IxEFgy