This is not a Folly. No matter what frustration we may feel for our country in this moment, Memorial Day remains a time for us to come together in remembrance and gratitude for others’ sacrifice.
My dad’s asthma kept him from serving in the military — one of his lifelong regrets. If you have lost a loved one in service, I honor them and thank you. Your loss has created safety for me and my loved ones, and I am so grateful.
Born in the late 20s, dad was too young to serve in World War II. My mom fled Germany in 1940 with her parents, lucky to leave with their lives. I grew up learning about WWII, which somehow felt personal. My own children were too young to serve in Afghanistan, so I learned about the experiences of service members in those Forever Wars from a nonprofit I support: The War Horse.
According to them, I am not alone.
America is disconnected from veterans and military families.
This weekend I will not grieve family and friends who died for our country. But I donate — monthly, in fact — to a cause in honor of them.
We can all take a short break from family, friends and barbecues to honor those who cannot share that experience. I hope you’ll make a gift in honor of members of our military who gave their lives for our freedom.
There are many organizations supporting veterans and their families. Here are some places to find them:
The War Horse is a nonpartisan, nonprofit newsroom that shares stories on the human cost of military service through investigative journalism, features, and first-person narratives. With a 96% rating on Charity Navigator, I’m not sure why they’re not on this list also…
Charity Navigator has a list of top-ranked veterans nonprofits.
A recent Candid blog talked about some basic needs of veterans and their families — although I highly disagree with their praise for the Bob Woodruff Foundation.
Or ask someone who lost a loved one if you can make a donation in their honor to a nonprofit of their choice.
I wish you time for reflection and peace over the long weekend. The Follies will be back next week.