#StillServing: The VFW Podcast: Hallowed Grounds and Fallen Heroes: Focus on Memorial Day

Hallowed Grounds and Fallen Heroes: Focus on Memorial Day

May 26, 2021

Memorial Day is a time to reflect, honor, and commemorate our nation’s sons and daughters who laid down their lives in defense of all of us and our way of life. It is time to remember who they were and their selfless service to the United States of America, who flag-draped their coffins as one final embrace from the country they loved as they were laid to their final rest. Let us remember their sacrifice and find a way to commemorate them this weekend.

During this episode of the #StillServing podcast, Host Rob Couture speaks with Arlington National Cemetery’s Director of Operations, Dr. Gerald Lowe. Dr. Lowe discusses the historic resting place close to the heart of our nation’s capital. Danny Devine, Executive Director of the National Cemetery Administration Office of Engagement and Memorial Innovation, shares the many ways of memorializing service members that are made available by the VA. And Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Kelly McKeague, describes the efforts his organization makes every day to bring all of our military’s fallen sons and daughters home.

Dr. Gerald Lowe, Director of Operations, Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) —

Arlington National Cemetery is taking measures to re-open to the public based on Federal guidelines and CDC recommendations. [4:53]
A summary of the special events taking place at Arlington National Cemetery for Memorial Day, 2021. [8:21]
What Arlington National Cemetery is doing to commemorate the centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. [12:21]

Danny Devine, Executive Director of the Office of Engagement and Memorial Innovation, National Cemetery Administration (NCA) —

Veterans make up 75% of the people who lovingly care for National Cemeteries. [19:47]
The differences between National Cemeteries and State Veterans Cemeteries are few. [22:39]
Headstones, markers, and medallions are just a few of the burial benefits available to the families of our nation’s veterans. [24:57]
Protocols of National Cemeteries for Memorial Day. [27:13]
The Veterans Legacy Memorial is an online resource that includes a page for each of the veterans laid to rest in National Cemeteries. [29:14]
Additional resources for remembering and memorializing service members. [34:23]

Kelly McKeague, Director, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) —

The dignified manner in which remains are repatriated and honored by the Department of Defense. [40:57]
The history of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. [44:44]
Kelly describes the diverse roles the agency must have to complete its mission. [47:56]
The bilateral, diplomatic negotiations the VA has with other countries to repatriate remains goes above and beyond common negotiations. [51:09]
A call to action to return wartime artifacts acquired in other countries. [56:13]