Memorial Day isn’t just about BBQs and an extra day off; it’s a meaningful federal holiday where we pause to honor the brave souls who gave everything for our country. In this podcast episode, I am so excited to have Willie, my veteran husband, on the podcast. Join us as we talk about what Memorial Day really means and why taking care of our veterans’ mental health is so important. Willie shares some tips and tricks that helped him along his journey after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, including his recovery from near-death experiences.

People often mistakenly thank living veterans on this day, but it’s crucial to understand and educate others about its true purpose. Memorial Day specifically honors those who have fallen in service.

“For some, like myself, Memorial Day is a remembrance of an alive day. What's an alive day? It's the anniversary of a day that a veteran almost died in combat. Or the day that they survived a near-death event that had a major impact on their life. For me, my alive days are November 23rd, 2011 and February 3rd, 2012. Those are days that I was hit by an IED in Afghanistan, conducting combat operations. I came back and things just weren’t the same. Re-adaptation into society was different. It was tough.” (Willie Cisneros)

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT

• Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by military personnel and pay tribute to their bravery and dedication.
• Mental health issues are common among veterans, and finding the right mental health provider is crucial for effective treatment.
• Effective stress management tools include mindfulness, meditation, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Military families face unique stressors, and mental health issues can exacerbate these challenges.
• Support and resources, such as therapy and community organizations, are available to help military families navigate these difficulties.

Memorial Day goes beyond just another long weekend; it’s essential to take a moment to pause and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy, made possible by the bravery and selflessness of these fallen heroes. Their sacrifices, often made far from home and loved ones, deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.

Visiting local National Cemeteries and participating in activities like placing flags on graves are meaningful ways to pay tribute to these heroes. Additionally, taking the time to learn about the lives of those who have given everything for their country helps ensure that their legacies are not forgotten. Through stories and shared memories, we keep their spirit alive and honor their contributions to our nation’s history.