Honoring Service and Sacrifice: Memorial Day Reflections from Family Promise

Every year on the final Monday of May, our nation pauses to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial start of summer. It is a solemn day of reflection, gratitude, and unity. At Family Promise of Cobb County, we join millions of Americans in honoring the fallen. But we also recognize that the values exemplified by our servicemembers—sacrifice, service, and commitment to something greater than oneself—are echoed in the work we do every day.

The Meaning Behind Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was first established in the years following the Civil War. It became a federal holiday in 1971 [source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs]. While often confused with Veterans Day, which honors all who have served, Memorial Day is specifically set aside to honor those who died while serving in the military.

Across the country, families visit cemeteries, lay wreaths, and participate in parades to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. For organizations like Family Promise, Memorial Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of community and the role we all play in supporting one another during times of hardship.

Service That Continues at Home

While our mission is not military, Family Promise of Cobb County is grounded in service. Every day, our staff and volunteers come together to help families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness find stability and hope. This work, like military service, is rooted in selflessness and a commitment to improving lives.

We provide shelter, case management, life skills training, and access to vital community resources. In 2024 alone, Family Promise of Cobb County helped 11 families achieve lasting independence and sheltered 73 individuals, including 48 children. These efforts are made possible by a network of volunteers, donors, and faith-based host sites that understand the power of collective care.

Honoring the Military Families We Serve

Many of the families who turn to Family Promise for assistance include veterans, active-duty service members, or military spouses. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, over 33,000 veterans were experiencing homelessness in the United States as of 2023 [source: HUD Annual Homeless Assessment Report]. While this number represents a decrease over previous years, it is still a troubling indicator of the challenges many veterans face upon returning to civilian life.

Veteran families often deal with unique barriers, including gaps in employment, mental health concerns, and a lack of affordable housing. At Family Promise, we strive to meet these families where they are, offering trauma-informed care and partnering with agencies that specialize in veterans' services.

Sacrifice Beyond the Battlefield

The idea of sacrifice extends beyond military service. Parents who work multiple jobs to provide for their children, community members who volunteer their time, and donors who give generously even when their own budgets are tight—these are everyday heroes. Their contributions may not come with medals or ceremonies, but they are essential to the health and well-being of our community.

One of the greatest acts of service we see each day is the willingness of our volunteers to open their hearts and homes. Host congregations and individuals provide meals, overnight accommodations, and a compassionate presence. They listen to stories, offer encouragement, and help families reclaim a sense of dignity during difficult transitions.

Memorial Day: A Time for Reflection and Action

As we reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day, we invite our supporters to consider how they can honor the legacy of service in their own lives. One way is by supporting the work of Family Promise of Cobb County. Your donation helps provide food, shelter, and support to families in crisis. Your time as a volunteer offers direct relief and companionship to those in need.

Giving back in memory of someone who served is a meaningful tribute. Whether you light a candle, visit a memorial, or make a contribution to help families build a better future, your actions carry the spirit of remembrance forward.

Ways to Get Involved This Memorial Day:

• Donate in honor of a loved one who served: fpcobb.org/give

• Volunteer with Family Promise and offer hands-on help to families transitioning out of homelessness.

• Share our mission on social media to raise awareness and inspire others to take action.

• Reflect on the values of service and sacrifice and how they shape our community.

A Call to Serve

This Memorial Day, we are reminded that true service takes many forms. From the soldier who gave their life in battle to the local volunteer who offers a listening ear, all acts of service help build a more compassionate and resilient society.

At Family Promise of Cobb County, we are proud to continue this legacy of service by helping families find shelter, hope, and a path forward. Thank you to all who serve—in uniform, in the community, and in the quiet moments that make a difference.

Let us remember the fallen not just in thought, but in action.

In service and gratitude,

The Family Promise of Cobb County Team