Memorial Day 2022
Follow and join the conversation with #MemorialDay2022, #VeteranOfTheDay, #VAPodcast, and #BorneTheBattle.
Today we are observing Memorial Day here in the states. Throughout the long weekend there are parades, services, celebrations and all sorts of events to remember those who died in service to our nation. We all know too well that it is not always easy to be a surviving vet and receive the help and services needed to thrive in our society. In honor of Memorial Day and our living vets, we wanted to take a look at the VA blogs and podcasts reporting some of the good that is happening as it pertains to innovations, technology, mental health and healthcare.
VA Podcast Network
Learning new things while staying entertained has never been easier for America’s Veterans. The VA Podcast Network offers a diverse selection of top-quality podcasts made with a Veteran community in mind. Each podcast specializes on a different topic and covers gripping content that no Veteran should want to miss out on. Just click on one of the podcasts and listen to the wealth of knowledge that awaits to be heard.
VA News
National Memorial Day Concert to feature Gold Star Families tribute
PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert returns for a live presentation hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise, acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to Veterans causes and supporting our troops in active service. Featuring all-star musical performances and tributes, the 90-minute broadcast of the 33rd annual National Memorial Day Concert will air and stream on Sunday, May 29, 2022, honoring our men and women in uniform, Veterans, their families and all those who have given their lives for our country.
VA national cemeteries to host public Memorial Day ceremonies after two years without gatherings
The Department of Veteran Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration will host its first public Memorial Day ceremonies since 2019. Ceremonies were not open in 2020 or 2021 to limit the spread of COVID-19. All visitors this year are encouraged to follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines to ensure their safety while in attendance.
VA websites get ongoing enhancements
The VA.gov website allows Veterans to apply for, track, and manage their VA health care and benefits. Veterans can apply for health care, disability compensation, VA-backed Veteran home loans, Veteran ID cards, education benefits, and other benefits online; track some applications through their life cycle; and manage existing benefits and personal information all from the website. Learn more.
Veteran of the Day
Follow the hashtag #VeteranOfTheDay or visit VAntage Point, an official website of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, to read about a different chosen vet each day of the week.
Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army and Air Force Veteran Joseph R. Sarnoski, whose actions as a bombardier for the Army Air Corps during World War II earned him the Medal of Honor. https://t.co/xNnL2scEjM
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 25, 2022
Memorial Day Facts
- Memorial Day, formerly Decoration Day, in the United States, holiday (last Monday in May) honouring those who have died in the nation’s wars. It originated during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle.
- Memorial Day was not an official federal holiday in 1971 on the last Monday of May.
- Each year, Americans are called to pause to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country in wars both at home and abroad.
- Through all the fanfare and the unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day itself continues to be among the most important national observances in big cities and small towns across the country.
- Memorial Day is one of the few days flags are ordered to fly at half-staff then full-staff.
- In December 2000, Congress passed a law requiring Americans to pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to remember and honor the fallen.
