Share Your Tribute this Memorial Day

[Briana Hartzell USAA]

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our fallen military heroes. We ask all Americans to join us in paying tribute to these men and women through a variety of ways:

Visit

Visit the USAA Poppy Wall of Honor on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., or visit the Poppy Exhibits at the USS Midway Museum in San Diego or at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio.

Write a Tribute

Write a tribute to a friend or loved one who died in military service, post it on social using #PoppyInMemory and encourage others to continue the conversation in their social channels using #PoppyInMemory.

Create

Make a paper poppy with your children to teach them the meaning of Memorial Day and that the flower represents individuals who gave their lives for us in military service. You can download templates and instructions here.

- On Snapchat, use the augmented reality lens to view the USAA Poppy Wall of Honor virtually and dedicate a poppy to a fallen service member.

Support

- Support or volunteer with nonprofits such as wear blue: run to remember or Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)  that support the families of our fallen service members.

Learn

Explore stories like Lorena Castro shares below about her son, as well as photos and videos at usaa.com/memorialday to learn about the lives of individuals who gave everything for our nation.

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On Memorial Day, we honor those who gave all in service to our nation. Who will you remember? #PoppyInMemory

Read Next:
Inspiring Kids: Poppy Craft in Honor of Memorial Day
Remember on a Personal Level this Memorial Day
How to Make Memorial Day Family Focused and Meaningful

NC0522

[JC84]

I received an email from Wayne Peacock to all Members about Flander Fields:

Canadian Soldier Lt. Col. John McCrae wrote the powerful poem “In Flanders Fields.” With fewer than 100 words, McCrae honored the lives lost in World War I and spurred a timeless movement of using the poppy as a symbol of remembrance within the military community.

First time I read that I cried. Then 80 months ago, my father, a 90 year old veteran passed away in his house an my Sister and I cared for until he stopped breathing. Master Sergeant Paul M A left us all. Too sad for us. LIke the shoes he took off at the front door when he used to come in. I was reminded of "The Shoes of The Fisherman", a movie I saw as a teen.

I really miss seeing those shoes, Thanks Wayne for the email that brought me here to the USAA board!   Respectfully, Terry A

[Briana Hartzell USAA]

@JC84  Terry,

Thank you for taking the time to share your story and share about your father. I am so sorry for your loss and so grateful for his service. I join you in honoring his memory.