By Elaine Bruner, MSN, RN, CMGT-BC
Why do we celebrate Memorial Day? This American holiday, celebrated on the last Monday in May, honors all U.S. military members who died while serving their country. Originally called Decoration Day during the Civil War, the holiday name changed after World War I. Many people consider Memorial Day the unofficial start to summer.
My first Memorial Day memories involve trimming grass. Growing up near Albany, NY, my Mom would take my brother and me to the Albany Rural cemetery, where her family is buried, on the Saturday before the holiday. Mom carried a basket with gardening gloves, grass trimmers, and red/white/blue artificial flowers. Even though the cemetery ground crew mowed and trimmed, Mom was determined that her father and cousins had tidy gravesites for Memorial Day. We would pull weeds, trim the grass, place new flowers in the vase, and ensure the American flags were firmly planted in the ground at each marker. Mom would talk about how her cousin Artie was a pilot during the Vietnam War, or not seeing her father for two years while he served in the Pacific theater during World War II. These field trips offered glimpses of family history that were not often discussed.
Fast-forward, and my observance of Memorial Day became long weekends spent shopping the sales and wearing white. (Yes, no white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day.) Perhaps I’d catch a Memorial Day parade while living in Virginia or Texas, but I’d lost sight of the true meaning of Memorial Day.
In 2012, I became the case manager covering a Navy traumatic brain injury clinic. I met service members with rich stories of their combat experiences and losses of their military brothers and sisters. The military hospital held a Memorial Day ceremony, which included remembrances, prayers, and honors for fallen heroes. Solemn moments to recognize the sacrifice. Five years later, I joined the Navy Special Operations team, following wounded, ill, or injured warriors. The Memorial Day ceremony here includes our Gold Star families who have lost a family member. You truly comprehend the meaning of this day, reconnecting with families you assisted or watching service members embrace the spouses, children, and parents of the fallen. I share lots of tissues plus amazing memories.
How are you observing or celebrating Memorial Day 2025? Here are some ideas and tips for you and your family:
- Please don’t confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day. November 11, Veterans Day honors our surviving service members.
- Attend a Memorial Day Ceremony. Explain to your children the significance of the holiday and the service members' sacrifices. Need help with your explanation? https://www.annmariejohn.com/how-to-explain-memorial-day-to-kids
- Share stories of your family members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. When we discuss these stories and speak the service member’s names, we keep their memory alive and pass family history through the generations.
I hope you enjoy the long weekend (and your white shoes) while remembering our military members who paid the ultimate price for our nation.
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Bio: Elaine is an experienced nurse, case manager and educator. She completed her undergraduate studies with the State University of New York at Platttsburgh, followed by her graduate work with the University of Virginia. Prior to entering case management practice, Elaine worked in diverse settings including oncology, nutrition support, home health, and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. Case management offered Elaine opportunities to join transdisciplinary teams in cardiology, critical care, and ambulatory care. Since 2008, she has been associated with American Nurses Credentialing Commission, contributing to the Nursing Case Management (NCM) certification review products. She co-authored the 4th edition of the NCM Review and Resource Manual, with Peggy Leonard, and was the faculty for live workshops and webinar presentations. Elaine embraces her educator role, authoring manuscripts in CMSAToday, offering continuing education presentations, and coaching case managers to certification success. Elaine's current role, with US Navy, offers daily challenges, keeps her skills sharp and a smooth transition to retirement.