Memorial Day: Honoring the Fallen and Supporting the Families They Leave Behind

Memorial Day is a national holiday in honor of remembering those who gave their lives in service to our country. But do you know how this came to be? Here’s a quick look back:

It all started with the ending of the Civil War in 1865. A war that produced an unprecedented number of fallen union and confederate soldiers. Across the country, communities began caring for and decorating the graves of those who had died. In 1868, an organization of Union veterans known as The Grand Army of the Republic officially designated May 30th as a day to honor fallen Union soldiers by decorating their graves. They called it Decoration Day.

Over time, the name evolved into Memorial Day, and the purpose expanded to honor all American service members who died in the line of duty. In 1971, Memorial Day was established as a federal holiday, observed on the last Monday of May. It remains a national day of remembrance — a time to honor and acknowledge sacrifice and the profound cost of freedom.

But Memorial Day also provides a reminder of another meaningful way to honor those who died in service: supporting the families left behind.

Whether through community outreach, advocacy, or simply making sure families know where to turn for help, each act of kindness matters to those who have lost a loved one in service.

What Resources Are Available for Families of Deceased Veterans?

Knowing what and how to find the V.A. resources that are available to surviving family members can be challenging, so I’d like to cover some of them here:

• VA Burial Benefits
  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers burial benefits that may include a gravesite in a national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate - all at no cost to the family. Some private cemetery costs may also be partially reimbursed.

• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
  This monthly benefit may be available to surviving spouses, children, or parents of service members who died in the line of duty or from service-connected causes.

• Survivor Pension (Death Pension)
  For low-income surviving spouses or children of wartime veterans, this benefit provides financial support based on income and need.

• State-Level Benefits
  Many states offer additional assistance, such as property tax exemptions, educational scholarships, or burial reimbursements. These vary by location, so it’s helpful to consult with your local or state’s veterans affairs office.

• Estate and Financial Planning Support
  Navigating the legal and financial matters after the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming. Access to free or low-cost estate planning resources—sometimes through legal aid or veteran service organizations—can help ensure survivor benefits are coordinated properly with personal estate plans.

This Memorial Day, if you know someone who has lost a loved one in military service, a simple check-in, a thoughtful conversation, or sharing helpful information may mean more than you know.

It’s one of the many small ways we can help carry forward the legacy of those who gave all.

As someone with deep respect and appreciation for those who have served, I made it a priority to include detailed information on veterans’ benefits and planning tools in my book, A Very Simple Estate Planning Guide. It offers clear, easy-to-follow guidance to help veterans plan ahead and provides helpful resources for surviving family members. If you or someone you know could benefit from this, I invite you to visit my website and explore it as a resource.