Honoring Memorial Day: Reflections from UC Online Military-Affiliated Students

Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to the United States. Within the University of Cincinnati's online community, many students are veterans, active-duty military members, military spouses, or part of military families, bringing unique experiences and perspectives to online learning. Ahead of Memorial Day, UC Online invited military-affiliated students to share what the holiday means to them and how they and their families observe it. Their reflections highlight remembrance, gratitude, family traditions and the lasting impact of military service.

"Memorial Day hits different to everyone. For us as a family it’s a day to celebrate the lives given to keep our country safe. It is the feeling of gratefulness that we as a family didn’t have to mourn the loss of a husband or father during a deployment but to know people who have hurts just as much. As a military community it’s praying for all the men and women to come and when they don’t Memorial Day gives us to celebrate in their names that day."

- Leslie A.

"It’s a good time to remember proud moments of my services and all of the veterans and active military personnel that sacrifice each and everyday for their families and our country."

- Christopher T.

"We lost many friends during the war in Afghanistan and I have lost many others before [my husband's] time in the service. Memorial Day is a day to just take time to remember those who gave their life. All gave some, some gave all."

- Kelsey R.

"For me, Memorial Day means remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country and honoring their memory."

- Noah O.

"To me and my family, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, and reflection.

It is about honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. It is about honoring those who never made it home or see the impact of their sacrifice.

As someone who wears the uniform, Memorial Day carries a deeper meaning. It is a reminder that freedom has a cost paid by families. It reminds me that service is bigger than ourselves.

It is also a day to remember our responsibility, to live with purpose and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

We remember not because we have to, but because they deserve it."

- Jeff A.

"I mostly relax with family or I work depending on my schedule, due to still serving as a UC Police Officer."

- Christopher T.

"Think of those we lost. Tell stories with the ones who knew them and are still here."

- Kelsey R.

"I observe Memorial Day by remembering my friends who are no longer here and attending ceremonies that honor those who gave their lives for this country."

- Noah O. 

"By completing a Murph:

1 mile run.

100 pull-ups.

200 push-ups.

300 squats.

1 mile run.

A small dose of discomfort in honor of those who carried far greater burdens and made the ultimate sacrifice."

- Jeff A.

Today, on Memorial Day, the University of Cincinnati Online community pauses to honor and remember the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. The reflections shared by military-affiliated students remind us that Memorial Day is rooted in remembrance, gratitude and reflection. UC Online is proud to support veterans, active-duty service members, military spouses and military families as they pursue their educational goals while carrying forward the stories, experiences and legacies that continue to shape our communities.