Each Memorial Day, our Nation pauses to remember the courageous people who made the ultimate sacrifice in military service to the United States of America. While many consider the last Monday in May the unofficial start of summer, it’s a far more solemn day during which gratitude and honor are essential as we think of those who gave their lives to give us the liberties we enjoy in this land of opportunity.
Memorial Day origins date back 160 years, eventually evolving after World War I as a day to honor all American military personnel who died in all wars. In 1971, Congress declared the day a federal holiday to pay tribute to heroism and reflect on freedom borne from profound loss.
Today, we follow several traditions to mark the importance of Memorial Day. The National Moment of Remembrance Act of 2000 designates 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day as a time for a minute of silence saluting those who fought and died to ensure a strong, safe place for all of us to live and work. Additionally, on Memorial Day, we fly the American flag at half-staff from sunrise to noon, then briskly raise the flag to the top of the staff for the remainder of the day. This protocol symbolizes a powerful gesture of respect for our fallen heroes and hails hope for a resilient republic.
Inspired by the post-World War I poem, “In Flanders Fields” by Lt. Col. John McCrae, M.D., wearing red poppies on the Friday before Memorial Day and through the holiday is also another way we can honor those lost in fights to keep our country free and support those brave living individuals who have served and are serving America.
This Memorial Day, amid gatherings with people important to us, we must remember that behind every flag placed at gravesites are stories of courage, duty, sacrifice, and love of country among ordinary citizens who demonstrated extraordinary patriotism and valor in answering a call greater than any one person. Their sacrifices have woven the very fabric of our American spirit.
At Hancock Whitney, we remember, too, that the values our military has defended are not abstract concepts but rather timeless principles on which our country was founded, similar core values guiding how we strive to serve our clients and communities each day—Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility.
On Memorial Day and throughout the year, we as Americans can best revere those lost in combat by recognizing with heartfelt thanks and humility a debt impossible to repay, by remembering with compassion those they left behind, by extending our deepest thanks to all who have worn or wear the U.S. Armed Forces uniforms, and by living with purpose, consideration and commitment to each other every day.