For many, Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to summer. A weekend of sunshine, backyard BBQs, and retail sales.
However, for those of us who know a veteran, whether it’s a relative, friend, or colleague, the day carries a weight that typical festivities can't touch.
It is a day of remembrance for those who died in active service. To me, it is a day that reminds me of my father. It is a time to reflect on the true cost of service - the mental and physical pieces of a person that are given away while in uniform.

Healthcare is the ultimate "thank you"

We often say, "gone but not forgotten," but without action, it is a hollow phrase. If we want to truly honor a veteran’s memory, we must honor their living legacy. We must ensure those who made it home receive the care they were promised.
Providing good-quality healthcare isn't a perk, it's an obligation for several reasons. For example, many injuries don't show up on a discharge paper. Years of carrying heavy equipment or working in extreme environments can lead to chronic issues that only surface decades later.
Also, PTSD and moral injury require specialized, long-term support. They are injuries sustained in the line of duty that require a lifetime of vigilance, not simply "pre-existing conditions."
Lastly, when a service member signs that contract, they do so with the understanding that the country they protect will, in turn, protect them. Adequate healthcare is simply us keeping our end of the bargain.

The reality of the return

The need for care doesn't end when the uniform is put away. For many, that’s when the real struggle begins. Recent data show that veterans enrolled in dedicated healthcare systems have significantly better outcomes, yet over 60% of veterans who succumb to invisible wounds were not connected to VA care in their final year. This is a failure of the system, not the individual.
With over 100,000 new veterans enrolling for care already this year, the demand for world-class medical support is at an all-time high. Honoring the fallen on Memorial Day must include a commitment to the living. Transitioning to civilian life shouldn't mean being neglected by the country you defended.

A debt that remains

The peace we enjoy today was made by people like my father and his brothers-in-arms. Whether a soldier falls in the line of duty or passes away years later, the debt we owe them for our safety remains the same. We honor the fallen best by taking care of the veterans who are still standing. That is true care at the N of 1.
This Memorial Day, enjoy the cookouts and the time spent with loved ones. But take a moment to reflect and think of the names it represents. Among those names is my father.
Let’s commit to advocating for the funding, efficiency, and expansion of veteran health services. It is the most tangible way to say "thank you" to those who can no longer hear us.
To my dad, and to every hero who is no longer here: Thank you for your bravery. We miss you.

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