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Ollie M.
Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Dr. Courtney Barber, Noel C. Osborne Sr., and Icia Ragsdale shared their perspectives on the importance of Memorial Day. Dr. Barber emphasized that Memorial Day is not just a day off, but a time to thank those who sacrificed for our freedom. Osborne donates flowers for soldiers' graves and supports veterans' associations to show appreciation. Ragsdale believes that educating children about the sacrifices of service members is crucial. She also highlighted the need for military members to process their emotions and acknowledge their losses. Memorial Day is a time to show gratitude, remember those who served, and support those who have lost loved ones in the military.
There is no such thing as a “happy Memorial Day.” The American holiday is a time to remember and honor individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. military. Three individuals who have military community ties offered Memorial Day perspectives.
Dr. Courtney Barber
Dr. Courtney Barber, a psychologist and licensed marriage and family therapist, is The 2024 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year and The 2024 Armed Forces Insurance Space Force Spouse of the Year. She has been recognized for outstanding mental health advocacy and leadership within the military spousal community.
Dr. Barber reminds us that Memorial Day weekend is more than a few days off or a chance to catch store sales.
“For the civilian community, I always preach to remember that Memorial Day is meant to honor and remember those that provided the luxuries that we have, the freedom that we have, the protection that we have as a nation,” she said.
Dr. Barber pointed out that Gold Star children are left behind when parents lose their lives while serving in the military.
“They are no longer there for the rest of that child’s life,” she reminded.
Dr. Barber also noted that Memorial Day includes remembering those who served and lost their lives to suicide.
She suggested posting about Memorial Day on social media to thank those who have given their lives and thank their family members who are now without their loved ones.
“The more that we humble ourselves and express a message of gratitude that day, or remembrance, even if you’re not the one that lost that person, people who have lost loved ones see that. I think even doing that offers a source of comfort that we’re kind of in this together,” she said.
Noel C. Osborne, Sr.
Photo credit: Ralph McCoy
Noel C. Osborne Sr., a United States Army retiree, works for the Department of Defense (DOD) and encounters individuals who have lost loved ones who served in the U.S. military on a routine basis. He spends Memorial Day with his fraternity as a Prince Hall Mason to honor those who paved the way for our liberty and freedom.
“As the Grand Master for my fraternity, one thing that we do is to donate Memorial Day flowers for soldiers’ graves. Throughout veteran cemeteries, we place flowers on soldiers’ graves throughout the country. This simple act can bring comfort to families who have lost loved ones while serving our country. It also sends a message to inform the respective families that their loved ones are not forgotten, and their efforts are genuinely appreciated.”
He added that ways to honor and remember those who died while serving in the U.S. military include visitation to memorials, monuments, military cemeteries and by supporting local veterans’ associations which routinely organize remembrance activities.
Osborne reminds us that Memorial Day’s overarching purpose is to render honor to service members who died while performing military service to the nation. Veterans Day thanks and honors all those who have served honorably in the military and covers both the living and deceased service members.
Icia Ragsdale
Photo credit: Michael Vega
Icia Ragsdale, a mental health therapist, has served the entire Baltimore area for over a decade. She was previously married to a disabled veteran for 17 years. Ragsdale has worked with several family members of veterans who have lost their loved ones to death, substance abuse and mental health issues.
“Honoring and remembering those who died while serving in the military requires more than just words; it necessitates a shift in how we educate our children to view their nation. While many countries instill a sense of pride, honor, and respect for their country and its servicemen, America’s complex history has led to marginalization, degradation, and even hatred towards certain minorities by their own country. This has fostered a culture that devalues both the nation and the sacrifices made by its protectors. To overcome this obstacle, we need to create a space for compassion training that goes beyond mere words and focuses on real experiences,” said Ragsdale.
She also stated that military service members who have lost a comrade should give themselves permission to process their emotions and acknowledge their loss.
“The pressure and weight of military life require resilience and mental fortitude, often opposing the idea of feelings and vulnerability. Many veterans have noted that the responsibility of loyalty to country and duty can be difficult for civilians to understand, especially when it conflicts with personal emotions.”