Introduction

Memorial Day is a holiday unlike any other: it's a celebration of freedom, but it's also a time that we can all take to reflect on the sacrifices our service members and veterans make in defense of our liberty. Unfortunately, the day has become more known as the unofficial start of summer than a time to remember those who have given their lives for us. We've compiled some statistics about Memorial Day and the military to give you a better sense of what this solemn day should be about:

About 1.1 million veterans have died from war since 1970, according to the Congressional Research Service.

About 1.1 million veterans have died from war since 1970, according to the Congressional Research Service. That's about one in every four soldiers who fought in Iraq or Afghanistan, according to a biannual report from the Department of Veterans Affairs on veteran deaths and suicides.

In 2018 alone, about 6,000 veterans have committed suicide—twice as many than were killed in combat.

About 20 percent of service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan will develop post-traumatic stress disorder from the experience, according to a 2008 RAND Corporation study.

It's estimated that about 20 percent of service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan will develop post-traumatic stress disorder from the experience, according to a 2008 RAND Corporation study.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious mental health condition that can occur following any event that causes intense fear, helplessness, or horror–whether it be a car accident, violent crime, or sexual assault.

The veteran suicide rate is about one every 65 minutes, according to a 2016 report by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The veteran suicide rate is about one every 65 minutes, according to a 2016 report by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

While no one knows exactly why this is happening or how to stop it, we do know that veterans are more likely than civilians and active duty military members to commit suicide. They're also twice as likely as vets who haven't been deployed.

Substance abuse is still widespread in the military -- the number of service members with substance abuse problems more than doubled, jumping from 10 percent in 2001 to 21 percent in 2009, according to a study published in 2010.

Substance abuse is still widespread in the military -- the number of service members with substance abuse problems more than doubled, jumping from 10 percent in 2001 to 21 percent in 2009, according to a study published in 2010.

• The military has a long history of substance abuse. In fact, even before it was established as an independent entity separate from Great Britain or United States control, alcohol was widely consumed by soldiers on both sides during the Revolutionary War and Civil War eras.

• The military has made efforts to address this issue. For example, it's now illegal for anyone under 21 years old to buy tobacco products at any base exchange store (an installation-based retail store where service members can purchase merchandise at discounted prices). This rule was implemented following an executive directive issued by President Barack Obama just before Veterans Day 2014 which prohibited smoking anywhere on federal property unless specifically designated otherwise by law or regulation.">

The divorce rate among veterans who experienced trauma during wartime was 63 percent higher than those who did not, according to a 2015 study by the Institute for Family Studies and American Enterprise Institute.

The divorce rate among veterans who experienced trauma during wartime was 63 percent higher than those who did not, according to a 2015 study by the Institute for Family Studies and American Enterprise Institute.

The study also found that female veterans are more likely to get divorced than non-veteran women. Female veterans were 20 percent more likely to be divorced before they turned 40 years old, compared with civilian women in their early 30s.

During World War I and World War II, 44 percent of service members were married when they enlisted. Now it's down to 20 percent.

The current state of affairs is a problem, as it means that fewer people are supporting the war effort.

It's also problematic because fewer people are willing to fight for their country.

Memorial Day is an important day to honor and remember both active duty military members and veterans who have died fighting for our country.

Memorial Day is an important day to honor and remember both active duty military members and veterans who have died fighting for our country. During Memorial Day, we remember all those who died while serving in the U.S military. On this special day, we take time to reflect on their service, sacrifice, and commitment to our country.

In addition to honoring fallen servicemen and women on Memorial Day, it's also important that we do what we can to help current soldiers with mental health issues before they are faced with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Accordingly, it's essential for us as citizens of the United States of America to understand the significance of Memorial Day by understanding its purpose:

Conclusion

This Memorial Day, we urge you to do more than party. Take the time to remember our veterans and active duty military members -- and honor those who have fought for our country by helping veterans and military families in your community.