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From Cook County, Minnesota - May 24, 2024

By: Karen Christianson, Cook County Veterans Service Officer

 

“Have you ever stopped to ponder the amount of blood spilled, the volume of tears shed, the degree of pain and anguish endured, the number of noble men and women lost in battle so that we as individuals might have a say in governing our country? Honor the lives sacrificed for your freedoms”.
-- Richelle E. Goodrich

In the excitement of a three-day weekend, cookouts, parades, and summer being so near, it is easy to ignore or forget about the true meaning of Memorial Day: to remember and honor all military personnel who have died in the service of our country. Let us never forget the sacrifices of our fallen and their families and keep those who gave everything to protect our country at the forefront of our minds during our celebrations.

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation in their service with the U.S. Military. Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, began after the Civil War ended in the spring of 1865. The Civil War claimed more lives (620,000 or more) than any other conflict in U.S. history and required the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries. People mourning their loss began to lay flowers and place flags on the graves of the fallen. 

On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War Veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month. He chose the 30th of May 1868, as a day to decorate the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion and whose bodies now lay in the churchyards of almost every city, village, and hamlet in the country. The 30th was chosen by General Logan because it wasn’t the anniversary of any specific battle. General Logan called it Decoration Day.

The origin of the current name of the holiday is unclear, but in 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York as the official birthplace of Memorial Day. The city established its Memorial Day on May 5, 1866.  Decoration Day originally honored only those lost in the Civil War, but during World War I the holiday evolved to commemorate all American military personnel who died in all wars. In 1968 Congress officially declared Memorial Day a federal holiday and established it as the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend for federal employees. Let us never forget why Memorial Day exists and take time to honor our fallen Veterans.  Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time. Please take a moment to remember those who sacrificed their lives for your freedom.

The American Legion Post 413 will hold a short program on the lawn of the Cook County Courthouse at the Veterans Memorial. The program will begin at 11:00 a.m. Following the program, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 413 will host a free meal for Veterans and their spouses at the Birch Terrace Supper Club from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

When we think of opportunities to honor and support our veterans, Memorial Day and Veterans Day come to mind quickly. There are many other celebratory/recognition days noted on the calendar designated for specific branches of service, military families, and days of service to the community.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are currently about 8 million people in the United States with PTSD. June has been designated as PTSD Awareness Month and brings attention to this critical mental health problem. While many people associate this illness with veterans, it also includes civilian survivors of sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or other traumatic events.

Those who serve in the military are exposed to different traumas and life-threatening experiences, which can lead to PTSD. The National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study (NVVRS) estimates that 30% of Vietnam Veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime. Combat Veterans during the Gulf War (Desert Storm) have an estimated 12% experiencing PTSD, and those that served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom range from 11-20% each year. 

When someone has PTSD, symptoms may affect family and friends. PTSD makes it hard to do everyday things and this may lead to unmet family needs. Partners and children may feel more stress and talking to one another may be tough.

PTSD can make somebody hard to live with. Living with someone who is easily startled, has nightmares, and/or avoids social situations can take a toll on the most caring family members. Research on PTSD has shown the harmful impact of PTSD on families.

Trauma survivors with PTSD may have trouble with their close family relationships or friendships. The symptoms of PTSD can cause problems with trust, closeness, communication, and problem solving which, in turn, may impact the way a loved one responds to the trauma survivor.

Military families often deal with unique cycles of stress associated with deployments and may struggle to know how to cope with changes in the family or their deployed loved one.

PTSD can affect how couples get along with each other. It can also directly affect the mental health of partners. Don’t wait, contact my office for available help and other resources.

I encourage all Veterans to connect with their County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) to determine if they are eligible for any state or federal Veterans benefits.  No matter what the age of the Veteran, it is always best practice to record your discharge papers and talk to your CVSO about benefits you may be eligible for. If you are not eligible for state or federal benefits, there may be other programs you could be connected to that are offered to Veterans through a variety of organizations dedicated to helping Veterans in need.

 

To contact your Veteran Service Officer for Cook County, Karen Christianson, call 218-387-3639 and leave a brief message. Office hours are Monday – Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

 

Have a very safe and enjoyable Memorial Day.

 

County Connections is a column on timely topics and service information from your Cook County government. Cook County – Supporting Community Through Quality Public Service.