In 1868, the Grand Army of the Republic—an organization formed to recognize the brotherhood of American Civil War Veterans—designated the 30th day of May for “decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country” asking their members to “in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect.”

Their hope was that memorial services would continue every year as long as any “survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades.” The Grand Army of the Republic was dissolved in 1956, but their legacy continues in our annual recognition each Memorial Day.

- From Vietnam Veterans of America

For us in Veteran Rites let us continue to honor all those who gave their lives and in addition, we honor all those who served in the military from any time period and who have felt and experienced the lingering effects of their service. This includes those who became casualties of war on American Soil.

We call on our community, and nation, to reengage with the sanctity of what for so many has just become a a 3-day weekend by returning Memorial Day to a sacred day of sacrifice and remembrance that truly honors the fallen in service. In your own way, from your own hearts, give the gift of presence to those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice, their families, and the warriors that served with them.

At Veteran Rites, we heal through the gift of deep presence in Ceremonies and Circles that truly hold what our warriors have carried and of who they are, in Wholeness. We can do the same in memory for ALL that fought or became casualties of war, including our allied and civilian brothers, sisters, and siblings.

For those in the Seattle Area, some of us will join at Tahoma National Cemetary in Kent, WA at 9:00am this Monday and then at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Auburn, WA at 1:30pm. Your presence in spirit will be felt.

We encourage ALL to watch the National Memorial Day Concert at 5pm PST this Sunday, May 30th, and to engage with your local chapter of American Gold Star Mothers.

For those called, we will lean into the ancient practice of fasting on the most sacred of days. If you wish to share the name or story of a fallen comrade in memory for us to pray for or save a seat in circle this weekend, please email council@veteranrites.org and we would be honored to hold space for your loved one with love and honor.

This weekend, and time, can be especially triggering to our military family. Please do not hesitate to reach out or join us in council next Wednesday at 4pm PST. Here is the number, text, and online chat for the Veterans Crisis Line. Reach out, call a circle of comrades, family, or friends. Give the gift of presence, especially yours if the walls are closing in. We need each other to keep breaking open the doors.

May we lean into each other this and all weekends with Love and Honor as we continue to serve in honor of their sacrifice. And may we always Remember.

Though your grave is unmarked, and your body is unfound, your gun and your helmet, marked the battle ground.
Your freedom and your life, in the midst of the dangers, lovingly volunteered, for family and strangers.
Your poor family's fears and nightmares came true, they don't know exactly how, they just know they lost you.
There's so many people who don't know what you did, how you never made it home to say goodbye to your kid.
They have no idea, that what you did with your life, was for those who didn't know, and meant heartbreak for your husband, partner, and wife.
So for those who didn't know you, outside of soldier, you held many titles, friend, family, spouse, parent, some child's American Idol.
For the holes left in hearts, from the event of your demise, for the friends who fought beside you, who let out unheard cries.
For every unnamed soldier, for every unmarked grave, for every tear and cry out loud, for the life you so lovingly gave.
To the parents of young soldiers, that went missing in a war, to those who had their hearts ripped out like a pain never felt before, to our veterans who fought, over oceans and deserts for friends and families, to the ones who left behind children that they never got to see.
This memorial is for you, for a great sacrifice.
We salute that for us you have given up your life.
* Jessica Gorée - USCG Veteran *

Need some inspiration? Did you catch Rite of Return initiate Riishaar Baker and VR ally Ghaddra Gonzalez host the Path With Art Arttransformsus21 with an epic spoken word by VR Veteran and Poet Michelle Murray?

Check it out here or below. Michelle’s spoken word for all of us is at around the 33:15 minute mark.