May 27, 2019 is Memorial Day. At 3:00 p.m., MHC’s Facebook page will be playing “Taps”, a bugle call which is traditionally played in remembrance of a fallen soldier at memorial services. 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day is known as the National Moment of Remembrance and citizens are asked to gather together for one minute of unity to remember those who have served that are no longer with us. We hope that you will join us.

For those wondering how they can honor this holiday, the Memorial Day Foundation has a list of ways you can observe:

  • By wearing your Memorial Day Button from the first of May until Memorial Day.
  • By visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
  • By flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon. Memorial Day is a day of “National Mourning.”
  • By attending religious services of your choice.
  • By visiting memorials.
  • By participating in a “National Moment of Remembrance” at 3:00 PM local time, to pause and think upon the meaning of the day and for taps to be played where possible.
  • By renewing a pledge to aid the widows, and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

While some choose to host a cookout or retreat for the long weekend, let us remember that for some of us, this will be a difficult day. If you or a loved one are in need of support or find yourself in crisis, please utilize the below resources.

Veteran Crisis Line – Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or Text 838255 to be connected to a qualified responder with the Dept of Veteran Affairs.

Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to be connected to a trained crisis counselor, 24/7.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 1-800-273-8255 24/7, for free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline – Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.