Great Day Radio

Remember, Honor, Reflect: A Veteran's Perspective

Great Day Radio Season 1 Episode 54

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The line between honoring those who died in service and celebrating those who served can often blur for many Americans. Our podcast delves into this crucial distinction, exploring why Memorial Day and Veterans Day carry profoundly different meanings for military families and veterans.

Memorial Day bears a weight that many civilians don't fully comprehend. As veteran DJ Mikey D shares from personal experience, "It brings back bad memories and often ignites our anxiety." Having served 12 years between Army Reserve and Active Duty, he's lost dozens of military family members to war. This reality creates a painful disconnect when well-meaning Americans wish veterans a "happy" Memorial Day while they're mourning fallen comrades.

We unpack the historical origins of both holidays—how Memorial Day evolved from "Decoration Day" after the Civil War to honor the dead, while Veterans Day transformed from Armistice Day commemorating World War I's end to celebrating all who've worn the uniform. Beyond history, we share proper observance traditions like displaying flags at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day and resources for veterans experiencing emotional distress during these triggering times.

The confusion between these holidays reflects a broader disconnect between civilian and military communities. By understanding the distinction—Memorial Day's solemn remembrance versus Veterans Day's celebration of service—we can better honor both the ultimate sacrifice and the commitment of those who returned. Take time this year to reflect on the true meaning behind these observances and consider how you might meaningfully participate beyond the sales and barbecues.

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Speaker 1:

You are listening to the People Station on GreatDayRadiocom.

Speaker 1:

In honor of our fallen military brothers and sisters this Memorial Day. May we never forget what was given for our freedom. Listen, if you do anything this weekend, please take time to reflect on the real reason. We observe Memorial Day and honor all the brave men and women who paid and made the ultimate sacrifice to make the United States the land of the free and the home of the brave. With the constant barrage of commercials and ads touting Memorial Day weekend discounts on cars, cheap furniture and more, it's easy for many Americans to be distracted from our understanding for the true reason.

Speaker 1:

We observe Memorial Day and while it's nice to cook up some family barbecue, enjoy a three-day weekend and get excited about the unofficial start of summer, simply put, it's a time to honor, to remember and to reflect. The following are traditions you should know. In accordance with flag code section 7M, the United States flag is to be displayed at half-staff from sunrise until noon local time on Memorial Day. Attaching a black ribbon to the top of a US flag is an acceptable alternative for flags that cannot be lowered to half staff.

Speaker 2:

Thank you, dj Mikey D, for that information. Honestly, I did not know about the flag tradition until now. In our conversations you mentioned how you and many other soldiers get a level of anxieties and even face depression during Memorial Day week. First, if you feel down and need to talk, there are resources out there that can assist you, such as the Veterans Affair or local shelters. If you are a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, you can connect with the Veterans Crisis Line 24 hours per day to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are veterans themselves. Call 988-PRESS-1 and or text 838255 and or chat by visiting veteranscrisislinenet. Let's kick off this discussion after this message from our supporters.

Speaker 1:

You are listening to the best podcast from the USA to the UK on GreatDayRadiocom. Welcome Great Day Radiocom fans for this short podcast on reflections on our history, where we dive deep into the events and traditions that shape our nation. I'm DJ Mikey D here with my co-host, dj DeMarie.

Speaker 2:

Welcome. This is DJ DeMarie to discuss Memorial Day versus Veterans Day. Before we kick off the discussion, I would like to give a big shout out to our new TikTok followers Colorado Cars, who post some cool cars from Colorado. Original Goof, who posts some funny videos. Phoenix Rising Jazz you certainly have to check out for amazing smooth jazz. And, last but not least, tony Exum Jr, for more smooth jazz sounds. This podcast would like to recognize Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, located in Denver, colorado. The coalition offers many services to help you and your family. Whether you're in need of housing, health care, substance use treatment, help with a job or child care, they can help. Visit them at coloradocoalitionorg to donate or seek help.

Speaker 1:

Welcome back my party peeps. I would like to salute my fellow soldiers who have died at war while we served together. If you do not know, I have served in both Army Reserve and Active Army for 12 years. In my active duty time I have lost several dozen military family due to war. Hi everyone, thank you for tuning in. While this is a short version of this podcast, we encourage you to visit GreatDayRadiocom for longer discussions on the subject. This episode is particularly timely as we're exploring the distinct meanings and traditions of Memorial and Veterans Day. These are two important holidays in the United States that honor military service, but in different ways.

Speaker 2:

First, thank you, DJ Mikey D, for your service to our country. These particular days are often confusing, but they both serve unique purposes. Let's start with Memorial Day. This day is observed on the last Monday of May each year. It originated after the Civil War as a way to honor those who died in military service. Originally called Decoration Day, it was a time when people would place flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. The purpose of Memorial Day is specifically to remember and honor the military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Dj Mikey D, you have expressed that you feel a certain way when it comes to Memorial Day. Can you briefly share your thoughts?

Speaker 1:

Exactly, it's a day of remembrance and reflection. You will see many communities holding parades, people visiting cemeteries and flags being placed on graves of veterans. It's a somber occasion for honoring the ultimate sacrifice. For me, like many of my veteran brothers and sisters, it brings back bad memories and often ignites our anxiety. So it is very challenging for many of us to accept when the civilian populations pats us on the back and wishes us a happy Memorial Day. For me, it's far from being happy.

Speaker 2:

Veterans Day, on the other hand, is celebrated on November 11th each year. It was originally known as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day honors all who have served in the military, both living and deceased, during times of war and peace.

Speaker 1:

That's right. Veterans Day is a celebration of service, thanking those who have put on the uniform. Across the country, there are parades, ceremonies and opportunities for the public to show appreciation to veterans. Tools and organizations often hold programs to thank service members. A key difference lies in the tone of the holidays Memorial Day has a more solemn tone, while Veterans Day is more about celebrating veterans and their contributions to our nation.

Speaker 2:

It's important to respect these differences and honor them appropriately. Whether it's attending a local event, volunteering or simply taking a moment to recognize the sacrifices and service of our military members, both days offer meaningful ways to engage.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely DJD. That's a wrap for this episode. We hope this helps clarify the distinctions between these two important holidays.

Speaker 2:

Thanks for tuning in to Reflections on Our History. Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes at greatdayradiocom. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of our social media short videos, please visit greatdayradiocom. Click on advertising. Until next time, take care and don't forget to thank a veteran for their service and sacrifice.

Speaker 1:

God bless.

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