Memorial Day is Monday May 27, 2019

Paying Respect to the Fallen

“Make up your minds that happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous.  Let there be no relaxation in fact of the perils of the war.” Pericles 431 B.C.

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in military service for the United States.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. It began in the years following the Civil War; and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.

Each year, more than 135,000 people visit Arlington National Cemetery over Memorial Day weekend.

U.S. Army Military District of Washington News Release

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE – “Department of Defense Recognition and Commemoration of the Fallen Men and Women of the U.S. Armed Forces”

WASHINGTON – The annual 151st National Memorial Day Observance to honor America’s fallen military service members is scheduled for Monday, May 27 at Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial Day History

From the VA website – Memorial Day History

Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.

The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

National Moment of Remembrance – 3pm Local Time, May 27, 2019

The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence. This is to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”

To ensure the sacrifices of America ’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579.

It created the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.

Memorial Day Weekend Holiday – Travel and Celebrations

Rather than a day to honor the sacrifices of war dead, most see Memorial Day as the “unofficial start of summer.”

The Memorial Day holiday weekend also traditionally marks the beginning of the U.S. summer travel season. According to a forecast from automobile association AAA and IHS Markit, a total of 42.8 million Americans will drive, fly or travel by boat, train or bus this year, up by 3.6% year over year from an estimated 41.5 million in 2018.

The vast majority of travelers, 37.6 million (about 88%), will be taking road trips, up by 1.3 million year over year. Another 1.9 million (7.68%) are expected to travel by air and 4.4 million (4.4%) will travel by rail, bus and cruise ships.

Mattress stores and car dealerships offer huge sales for the Memorial Day holiday. Consumers pump billions of retail and tourism dollars into the economy over the holiday weekend. Memorial Day for most means barbeque and Black Friday-style blow out sales.

Paying Respect and Honoring the Sacrifices of our Armed Service Members

When we remember and pay respect to veteran experience and sacrifices – we honor their service.

One of the first known public tributes to war dead was in 431 B.C. The Athenian general and statesman Pericles delivered a funeral oration praising the sacrifice and valor of those killed in the Peloponnesian War.

“Make up your minds that happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous. Let there be no relaxation in fact of the perils of the war….

For these reasons I shall not commiserate with those parents of the dead, who are present here. Instead I shall try to comfort them….

Where the rewards of valor are the greatest, there you will find also the best and bravest spirits among the people.”
From Pericles Funeral Oration

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) #GoSilent

#GoSilent this Memorial Day
This Memorial Day, at 12:01 pm ET on May 27, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) are asking Americans across the country to take a moment and #GoSilent, in observance of Memorial Day. Gather your friends and family across the country and pause with us for a national moment of silence to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

From Founder and CEO of IAVA Paul Rieckhoff, “This Memorial Day, IAVA will lay a wreath before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, and later pause for a moment of silence at 3PM local. Gather your friends and family across the country and pause with us for a national moment of silence to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Folds of Honor

Educational Scholarships for Spouses and Children of America’s Fallen and Disabled Service-Members

“Since 2007, the Folds of Honor has carried forth a singular, noble mission: To provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service-members.”

Folds of Honor has grown from a vision into a movement. The folded flag is a constant reminder of those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. It inspires us to help equip and educate their loved ones in need of our support. Thank you for embracing the call.

The folded flag is also a symbol of hope: representing the enduring ideals that make this country a beacon of democracy. Folds of Honor chose this logo because it reflects a mission to honor the sacrifice of America’s heroes, while giving hope to the bearers of their legacy.

Honor Their Sacrifice. Educate Their Legacy.

Veterans and Chronic Pain

According to Military.com, more than half of veterans who participated in conflicts in the Middle East report they experience chronic pain. It’s no surprise that many are prescribed opiates to help them manage their pain. However, that can lead to opioid addiction.

Today, veterans are two times more likely than non-veterans to suffer a fatal overdose from opiates.

Dual Diagnosis Rehab with PTSD Treatment

Dual Diagnosis or Co-occurring Disorders refers to individuals who have both a mental heath issue (such as PTSD, depression, trauma, anxiety) and an addiction problem (substance use disorder, or SUD).

Military personnel and first responders often experience trauma while performing their duties. The general public sees first responders and soldiers as a kind of Super Hero. And they are – but even super heroes need support to continue their mission.

Addiction treatment for first responders and military veterans almost always includes treatment for co-occurring disorders.

How Veterans Can Get VA Help in Northern California

Make a VA Appointment at Northern California VA for an Addiction Assessment.

If you are a qualifying military veteran located in northern California – there is help available. Most veterans are eligible for VA Health Benefits, which help cover (or cover) the cost of mental health services, including addiction treatment.

Veterans seeking treatment for substance abuse can start the process by talking with their primary VA health care provider or contacting their nearest Vet Center.

There are many ways for Northern California Veterans to make health care appointments.

• If you don’t have VA health care benefits, you can apply now. Apply for VA health care.
• If you’re having a medical emergency, please call 911 or call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, then press 1.
• Make an Appointment in Northern California VA for an Addiction Assessment.
• Or call VETSConnect, 800-382-8387
  Appointment scheduling and answers to your health, eligibility and benefits questions are just a phone call away through VETSConnect, our friendly, convenient and easy-to-use telephone care program. Call 800-382-8387.

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