ICYM: Honoring Service and Sacrifice — a Veteran's Reflection on Memorial Day
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sun, 05/26/2024 - 12:33pm
As Memorial Day approaches, we take the time to reflect on the significance of this holiday and the sacrifices made by countless service members. One such veteran, Chuck Staley, offers a touching glimpse into his life and the traditions he upholds to honor those who have given their all for our freedom.
Chuck Staley's military journey began at the tender age of 17 when he joined the Army, driven by a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to serve his country. Over his 20-year career, he became an integral part of the 82nd Airborne Division, participating in three major combat conflicts: Grenada, Panama, and Desert Storm/Desert Shield. Reflecting on his service, Chuck states, "It was my honor to serve. I would do it all over again if I had the chance."
The motivation to join the military was ingrained in Chuck from a young age. Growing up in the South, where patriotism was a cornerstone of his community, he was inspired by the images of the Vietnam War and the stories of soldiers who had made the ultimate sacrifice. "Watching the Vietnam War on TV when I was a kid and hearing about the soldiers who died overseas meant something to me," Chuck recalls. This early exposure solidified his resolve to contribute to his country's defense.
Memorial Day Traditions
For Chuck, Memorial Day is not just another holiday; it is a day steeped in personal and collective memory. Each year, he, his wife, and his son travel to Sacramento National Cemetery in Dixon, CA, to pay their respects to his stepfather-in-law, Tillman Jeffrey, a helicopter pilot. The family honors Tillman by carrying his uniform jacket, pouring his favorite Scotch on his headstone, and sharing fond memories. "We each take turns expressing our remembrances and saying his name because the most important thing is to keep his memory alive," Chuck explains.
This act of remembrance is not limited to his family. Chuck notes that the cemetery is filled with hundreds of people, all there to honor their lost loved ones. "It's a community event where everyone who lost someone in service comes together to remember. Even if you haven't lost someone, it's important to remember that the freedom we enjoy was paid for by those who made the ultimate sacrifice," he emphasizes.
How to Celebrate and Honor Memorial Day
Chuck’s heartfelt traditions offer a guide for how we can all honor Memorial Day in a meaningful way. Here are some ways to celebrate and honor this important day, inspired by Chuck's practices:
Visit a Cemetery:
Like Chuck and his family, you can visit a local cemetery, especially those with veterans' graves. Participating in ceremonies or simply placing flowers and flags on graves is a powerful way to pay respect.
The American Legion: Sacred Places Database
Participate in Community Events:
Many communities hold Memorial Day parades and ceremonies. Joining these events helps foster a sense of unity and collective remembrance. Chuck describes how these gatherings bring hundreds of people together, all honoring their loved ones.
Join us at Lone Mountain Cemetery in Carson City on the 24th of May at 4 p.m. for the placement of flags on the headstones of veterans.
We will meet in the middle of the cemetery and pass out bundles of flags. Flags are to be placed in the upper left corner of each headstone marked of a veteran, approximately 2 inches above the corner.
We will return on the 27th of May at 4 p.m. to remove the flags and return them to storage.
Location: Lone Mountain Cemetery, 1044 Beverly Dr, Carson City, NV 89706
Website: Carson.org
Contact: John Hefner
Phone: 775 720-6995
Email: csmjvh@Hotmail.com
Thank you to the staff at Lone Mountain Cemetery for allowing us to hold this remembrance.
Share Memories and Stories:
Take time to share stories about the service members you know or have learned about. Chuck and his family reminisce about Tillman Jeffrey, ensuring his legacy continues. You can do this with family, friends, or through social media to spread awareness.
Support Veterans' Organizations:
Organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion often organize Memorial Day activities and provide resources for honoring fallen soldiers. Volunteering or donating to these organizations can make a significant impact.
The American Legion: American Legion Family again at center of Memorial Day observances Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW): Ace Hardware Honors Fallen Heroes with 1 Million American Flags Donation.
Moment of Silence:
Incorporate a moment of silence into your day to reflect on the sacrifices made by service members. Chuck suggests that even during a barbecue or family gathering, taking a few minutes to acknowledge the fallen is a meaningful act of remembrance.
Educate Yourself and Others:
Use Memorial Day as an opportunity to learn about the history and significance of the holiday. Share this knowledge with others, especially younger generations, to ensure the true meaning of the day is not lost.
Fly the Flag
Displaying the American flag is a simple yet powerful way to show respect and honor those who have served. Ensure the flag is in good condition and displayed according to proper flag etiquette.
Engage in Acts of Service:
Honor the spirit of service by engaging in community service or helping a veteran or military family in need. Acts of kindness and support can be a tribute to the selflessness of those who served.
A Message to All
In his closing thoughts, Chuck offers a powerful message: "Those people who are in the ground and are not with us any longer, we at least owe them that remembrance of their name or their act of service. It's about honoring their sacrifice and ensuring that their legacy lives on."
As we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day, let us take inspiration from Chuck Staley's heartfelt traditions and reflections. Let us remember the true cost of our freedom and honor the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation. Whether through participating in community events, visiting a cemetery, or simply taking a moment to say a silent prayer, each act of remembrance helps to keep the spirit of Memorial Day alive.
