Military Families Speak Out marks Memorial Day with reflection and vigils

MFSO Upstate New York marches in the annual Memorial Day parade

In Teaneck, New Jersey, members of the MFSO Bergen County chapter and their supporters hung a banner from a high way and spoke with the local news about the oxymoron of wishing someone a "Happy Memorial Day". 

In Rochester, New York, members of the MFSO Upstate New York chapter marched in the annual official Memorial Day Parade, allowing them to reach people they might not have otherwise. MFSO member Kate Collier contributed to this joint letter with members of Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans For Peace. 

In Daytona Beach, Florida MFSO and VFP member Phil Restino wrote this editorial about the covenant the American people have to pay attention, and call for the end of war funding.

And in Boston, members of the MFSO Massachusetts chapter read the names of American, Iraqi and Afghan casualties at a powerful display of boots on the Boston Common, and cast carnations into the harbor to commemorate the unconscionable losses on all sides.

For military families, Memorial Day doesn't represent the start of summer or a great day for a b-b-q. It is a solemn time to reflect on the painful impacts of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan -- the casualties, suicides, injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder and broken families. It also marks a time to reinvigorate ourselves for the efforts to bring the troops home NOW, and take care of them when they get here. We hope you will join us in these efforts.

Please support our work by donating to the Charley Richardson Legacy Fund at www.mfsotribute.org. Because of a recent matching gift, your one-time or monthly donation will be doubled! Give today.