Vets Experience

Memorial Day can bring up many emotions in the Veteran community: grief, nostalgia, pride, even loneliness. For many, visiting their battle buddy’s resting place provides a sense of peace, comfort and duty. For those who can’t get there because of distance or reasons beyond their control, the day can feel hollow. 

A non-profit organization launched by Veterans for Veterans in 2015, Warrior Rising is dedicated to transforming Veterans into “Vetrepreneurs,” providing them opportunities to create sustainable businesses, perpetuate the hiring of fellow American Veterans and earning their future.

The federal government has designated the last Monday of May as Memorial Day. On this day and the days leading up to it, citizens from across the country will gather at cemeteries and memorials to honor and remember the service members who gave the last full measure of devotion.

PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert, America’s national night of remembrance, returns for a live presentation this Sunday hosted by Tony award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy award-winner Gary Sinise, acclaimed actors dedicated to Veterans’ causes and supporting U.S. troops in active service.

Throughout the month of May, American Forces Travel is celebrating Military Appreciation Month by providing exclusive discounted offers on flights, hotels, car rentals, and cruises, accessible to all veterans:

Until Help Arrives is a free course offered by the American Red Cross to teach people lifesaving skills during an emergency.

Veterans have several no-cost options to choose from when logging in or creating an online account for VA.gov. Regardless of the option you choose, take a moment to ensure you’re accessing your account securely.   

The iconic poppy symbol dates back to World War I when the red flower flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by war.

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio, will host a series of in-person and virtual events over Memorial Day Weekend to honor and remember America's fallen service members.

Learn how to access your military records from the National Archives or the National Personnel Records Center.

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration will host “Welcome Home! A Nation Honors our Vietnam Veterans and their Families,” on the National Mall in Washington, DC, May 11-13.

“My father always stressed that every Veteran should be treated with respect. The most important aspect of a Veteran’s experience is to reinforce that every Veteran is valued and respected.”