Commemoration, Obligation, and Celebration on Memorial Day
May 16, 2024 by Lisa Sigler
Memorial Day is a time to remember the brave men and women who died while serving in our armed forces. From the traditional act of flagging graves to the modern technologies facilitating survivor benefits, we can honor our fallen military personnel through commemoration, obligation, and celebration.
Commemoration: Preserving Their Memory
Commemoration lies at the heart of Memorial Day, as we come together as a nation to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country. One longstanding tradition is the placement of flags on graves, a practice that dates to the origins of Memorial Day after the Civil War. These flags symbolize the respect, appreciation, and remembrance we hold for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In recent times, innovative initiatives have emerged to streamline and enhance this commemorative practice. For example, Juneau, WI, has partnered with Tyler Technologies to identify veteran burial sites more effectively. Through advanced technology, Tyler's assistance enables the community to ensure that every veteran's grave is recognized and honored on Memorial Day. This collaboration represents a powerful testament to the enduring commitment to commemorate our fallen heroes and uphold their memory.
Obligation: Supporting Survivors
On Memorial Day, we not only remember the fallen soldiers but also recognize the obligation we have toward their families. The Census Bureau reports that there are nearly half a million survivor households receiving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or other military organizations. It is our duty as a grateful nation to provide support and assistance to these families that have suffered the loss of their loved ones.
Tyler Technologies takes pride in contributing to this obligation by providing claims management applications that enable Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) to assist survivors in accessing the benefits they are entitled to. These technological solutions streamline the process, ensuring that families receive the necessary support quickly and efficiently. By utilizing these applications, VSOs can navigate the complex systems and help survivors secure the benefits that their fallen heroes earned through their dedicated service.
Celebration: Honoring Their Sacrifice
While Memorial Day has solemn undertones, it is also an opportunity for celebration. We can celebrate the lives and service of our fallen heroes by engaging in activities that exemplify the freedoms they fought to protect. Parades, picnics, and spending time with family and friends are cherished traditions on this day.
These celebrations serve as a reminder of the liberties we enjoy because of the sacrifices made by those in uniform. They offer an opportunity to express our gratitude and reinforce the values of freedom, democracy, and unity. By embracing the joys of life that our heroes have secured for us, we pay tribute to their legacy and ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain.
Whether it is through traditional practices like flagging graves or the use of modern technologies to manage survivor benefits, each act of remembrance and support contributes to preserving the memory of those we have lost. As we come together on this solemn occasion, let us remember the words of John F. Kennedy: "A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” Tyler Technologies is proud to honor and remember the men and women who laid down their lives in service and to support the families they leave behind.