Citation

Geppert C. Federal practitioner 2022; 39(5): 200-201.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Frontline Medical Communications)

DOI

10.12788/fp.0273

PMID

35935924

PMCID

PMC9351736

Abstract

Contemporary critiques of Memorial and Veterans Day celebrations have emphasized that while ceremonies and celebrations are culturally requisite means of demonstrating a society's respect and gratitude for those who gave their lives and health in the country's cause--it is not enough. These holidays have immense symbolic significance to remind the nation of the sacrifice of those who bore arms in its service. An enduring and substantive impact on veterans will require real work done on their behalf. Through its representative institutions, such as the US Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) and citizens' voluntary efforts, the public must provide practical assistance to veterans and their families.2

Memorial Day honors our sacred dead who lost their lives defending freedom. In federal practice and the larger community, we are duty-bound to try and restore the things war took from these wounded warriors and in whatever measure is possible to return them to the land of the fully living. Except in memory, we cannot bring back the dead. And while life is the most precious gift, those who survived the battlefield too often lose much that matters to a meaningful human life--friends, family, livelihood, housing, self-worth, peace of heart, soundness of mind, and health of the body...

Language: en