Folly #21: Not Happy Memorial Day

It's sad. This weekend we honor those who died in service.

For two years, I’ve worked with the incredible staff of veterans and military spouses who created and run TheWarHorse.org, a nonprofit military newsroom. If you’re asking, What’s the big deal about that? then you – like me – may not have had a family member in service. And you, like me, maybe used to wish people a “happy Memorial Day weekend.”

Memorial Day may be one of our most revered holidays, but it is not a happy one.

In addition to serving as the only nonprofit, nationwide journalism platform dedicated to transparency for the $1T dollars spent each year by the Veterans Administration and Department of Defense, The War Horse teaches journalism. Their May 2023 cohort was for Gold Star Children.

That’s what you call a child who lost a parent in military service.

Bailey, a recent Writing Seminar Fellow, talked about her dad. He died when she was 16. Reading her story is a powerful Memorial Day tribute.

I hope you’ll also consider honoring those who died serving in our military by making a donation this weekend to The War Horse or another organization.

And we can all learn from young Bailey’s wise advice as a Gold Star Child:

I begin to realize the gifts my father has given me, even in loss. Because of my dad, I recognize the individual value of every person I meet. Because of my dad, I live my life with intention and purpose. I connect more deeply with people. Because of my dad, I know the finiteness of life and the importance of the words spoken about your character when your life comes to an end.

I’ve been honored to serve as the only team member without a military connection. After two years as interim development lead, The War Horse is ready for a full-time Development Director. It’s an extraordinary opportunity with an inspiring and fun group of people doing important work.