“America without her soldiers would be like God without His angels.” – Claudia Pemberton

Few groups deserve our recognition, respect and gratitude more than the brave men and women who have served for their Country. These individuals have put their life on the line in uncertain times, and sacrificed so much so that we can preserve our way of life. 

Memorial Day is celebrated the last Monday in May and is the holiday set aside to pay tribute to those who died serving in the military. Comparatively, Veterans Day is a holiday falling on November 11 and is designated as a day to honor all who have served in the military. While these reminders are important, our gratitude and appreciation for our Veterans and fallen soldiers services should not come solely on a few days a year. 

If you’re looking for appropriate ways to honor those who have passed this Memorial Day, or would like to contribute in ways that are meaningful, here’s a short list of suggestions:

• Wear or display a red poppy. Around Memorial Day, you usually can find Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) members selling paper red poppies. Now a widely recognized memorial symbol for soldiers who have died in conflict, the red poppy tradition grew from the World War I poem, “In Flanders Field,” by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. The poem refers to the red poppies that grew over the graves of fallen soldiers in the lines:

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow. Between the crosses, row by row.”

• Pause at 3 p.m. In accordance with the National Moment of Remembrance resolution, which was passed in 2000, pause from whatever you are doing at this time to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to provide freedom to all.
• Display a flag correctly. The flag is the ultimate symbol of our freedoms and the sacrifices that Veterans and fallen soldiers have made. Memorial Day is a day of “National Mourning”. By flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon you are recognizing those that gave their life for this Country.
• Visit memorials, or cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
• Volunteer. Research agencies in your area that work with veterans or active military servicemembers and their families – the local VA hospital, USO center or homeless shelter, for example – and commit to volunteer your time on a regular basis.
• Make a financial donation to a related cause. Respectable and worthy charities can be researched here and here.
• Recognition for an individual’s service goes a long way. It’s never too late to thank those Veterans that are still with us. Whether with a loved one, visiting a VA hospital, or in passing with a stranger, recognizing one’s service will surely be appreciated.

At the core of our Puma Hills Colorado Mountain Retreat is a philanthropic-based mission supporting veterans, first responders and their families. If you are a veteran or an organization serving veterans, please contact us today to discuss how Puma Hills can show our appreciation for your services. 

The willingness of America’s service men and women to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. Join Puma Hills in honoring those in uniform who sacrificed their lives for the Country and our freedoms; past, present, and future.

God Bless You and Thank You.