“Memorial Day reminds us of our highest ideals — and the price we must sometimes pay for them” 2019 Memorial Day Message
Every year, I’m struck by the powerful — and often, opposing — emotions that Memorial Day stirs.
We celebrate our freedoms, and yet, we mourn the cost that they required. We look ahead to a bright future, while we remember the trials and challenges of the past. We honor those who served, but we grieve their loss.
Celebration, and sadness. Gratitude, and remorse. Hope, and helplessness. Memorial Day is unique in evoking such a broad spectrum of feeling, because it is this holiday that speaks most keenly to our highest ideals, as well as the steep price we are willing to pay for them.
Sadly, it is also a day that, for many, has lost its significance. President George W. Bush would often tell the story of asking schoolchildren what the meaning of Memorial Day is, only to have them respond, “That’s the day the pool opens!”
The Oregon Lottery’s Unique Support for Veterans
Guest Contribution by Oregon Lottery
You know the old word association game? What would be the first thing you think of if you heard the phrase, “lottery funding”?
For most people, “education” would probably spring most naturally to mind. This makes sense, considering that almost every state across the country has a lottery, the vast majority of which fund education programs to varying degrees (including Oregon’s).
But if you dig deeper, you’ll find that lotteries support a number of different important causes.
Former Vietnam Fighter Pilot Continues to Save Lives of Veterans After War
Carys Fritz, Lines for Life
Lt. Colonel Tom Milligan was an Air Force Fighter Pilot in Vietnam. He served our country, flying almost 300 combat missions, and now he serves our Veterans here at home. Tom is the Director of Military Services at Lines for Life, a service dedicated to preventing substance abuse, suicide, and other mental health challenges that Veterans face.
Milligan leads the team of highly trained specialists who answer phone calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on our crisis lines coming from Veterans and Active Duty Military who struggle with different issues. They offer support and intervention from the perspective of fellow Veterans who can empathize with their pain.
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