Memorial Day -- Worthy of Their Sacrifice

Memorial Day Reflection from A Blue Star Momma

You wouldn’t know it from turning on the TV or radio,

but Memorial Day isn’t about sales.

It’s not about long weekends or backyard parties.

And it’s not about the living—our service members or veterans.

There are many days (and months) throughout the year to celebrate the living—

to thank our veterans and active-duty military.

But those who never came home?

It's almost like we are erasing them....

They’re given just one day per year.

Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is for those who didn’t make it home. 

The ones who made it back—but lost their battle here on U.S. soil. 

It’s about the families who wake up every day to silence, where laughter used to live.

I beg you, please don't forget them.

This day isn’t a celebration. 

It’s a time to pause and remember what truly matters.

I’m writing this not just as a patriotic American—

but as a military family member,

a mother of an active duty service member,

and someone who has sat with grieving mothers,

hugged sobbing children,

and stared into eyes forever changed by war.

I don’t speak from theory—I speak from witness.

I think of Brenda, a Gold Star mom who has become part of my extended family.

More than 20 years later, she still grieves her son as if it were yesterday.

Because grief doesn’t know how to tell time.

Are we living a life worthy of her loss?

Because if we’re not… then her son died in vain. 

And we can’t allow that to happen.

I wish I were poetic enough to put her pain into words you could feel. 

I wish you could hear her voice crack when she says his name— 

the weight of her breath as she tries not to fall apart. 

How just saying his name feels like ripping open something that never healed.

And the worst part? 

She feels like the world has forgotten him.

Brenda is one of thousands. 

And I share, in the hopes you remember.

I think of my friend Sheila, too—a mother who writes nearly every day about the loss of her son. 

Her words are raw and haunting. 

There are days I can barely read them, 

because my heart—and my brain—can’t fully comprehend her pain. 

Seeing her suffer kills me. Her loss is literally crushing her.

And then I step outside… 

or turn on the TV,

scroll social media,

hear the chatter— and it hits me:

What is wrong with us?

At this time of year, hearing people complain about things that don’t matter frustrates me. 

Then it makes me angry. 

And then it just makes me sad. 

Because I know too many families living without the one they love— while the rest of the world scrolls, shops, and forgets the freedom they died for.

I hope this reflection lands the way I intend it to—with love, not blame. 

I’m not pointing fingers. 

The truth is, I catch myself doing the same things.

Then, I pause, take a breath, and give myself a reality check. 

That’s what this day is for.

And I ask myself—what I’m about to ask you:

Are we living a life worthy of their sacrifice?

Are we being good humans? 

Are we honoring their memory— 

and the weight their families still carry? 

Are we making sure those families know that this grateful nation still cares, remembers, and gives a damn?

What Is Their Sacrifice Worth?

What does it mean to live a life worthy of their sacrifice?

• It means we stop treating freedom like a toss-away guarantee. 

• It means we quit wasting time on petty things that don’t matter. 

• It means we love harder, give more, and show up—especially when it’s inconvenient. 

• It means we raise our kids to understand what valor looks like. 

• It means we speak their names—not just on Memorial Day, but in the everyday moments that matter. 

• It means we check on their families. 

• We serve others without needing credit. 

• We choose courage over comfort. 

• We live boldly, compassionately, and purposefully— because they don’t get to.

• Our fallen don’t get another sunrise. But we do.

• So we live a life that says, “Your life mattered. Your sacrifice matters. I won’t waste the gift you gave me.”

The truth is....

We can’t bring them back. 

But we can carry them forward— 

through our choices, our actions, and the way we love.

Gratitude isn’t just something we say. 

It’s how we treat people. 

How we serve. 

How we show up—especially when it’s hard.

That’s how we remember. That’s how we honor.

This Is Our Responsibility Now

We don’t need more posts. 

We need more purpose. 

More—get-your-hands-dirty action.

Live like it matters. 

Honor the fallen through action. 

Support the families still standing in the aftermath.

Because if they gave everything, the least we can do is give our best.

Not just on Memorial Day. Every day. 

Live a life worthy of their sacrifice. And live it in gratitude.

CALL TO ACTION

If this moved you—share it. 

Not for likes.

Not for attention. 

But so their families’ sacrifice isn’t forgotten—and so others may be reminded of the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Because remembrance only lives if we carry it forward—together.

About the Author

Amy Cotta is a Blue Star USMC Mom, military family advocate, and the founder of Memories of Honor—a national nonprofit that transforms everyday moments into powerful acts of remembrance. She’s passionate about honoring our fallen heroes, supporting their families, and sharing stories that heal. Whether she’s organizing a 5K, building a tribute wall, or writing words that move the soul, Amy shows up with heart, hustle, and a mission that never quits.