In Honor of Memorial Day

Originally posted on our FB page 5/26/2025

I received a message this morning from a concerned citizen who felt our Geek Day post on Sunday was too lighthearted for Memorial Day weekend. In addition to being very mean, they suggested that all messages this weekend should be reserved for honoring those who have died in military service to our country.

To reassure this citizen—and others—that we do understand the meaning of Memorial Day and do hold deep respect for those who have served and sacrificed, I offer the following reflection.

***A Personal Note***
FOLK Studio 451 is a personal creative space, and I tend to post what’s on my heart. This is a personal message, and I recognize it may be uncomfortable for some readers. I share it with sincerity. – Amanda.

***What Is Memorial Day?***
For our followers around the world who may not be familiar with the holiday:
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the Armed Forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May. It also marks the unofficial beginning of summer in the U.S.

***Our Family’s Service***
Members of my family have served in nearly every U.S. war including the Revolutionary War. Most recently: my father, Ken (Navy), my stepfather, Charlie (Army) and my husband, Jon (Air Force).

They served for God and Country. They served to protect the Constitution, democracy, and liberty—for the land of the free and the home of the brave.

***A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice***
The sacrifices made are not only those of the fallen. Many who return live with visible and invisible wounds. The cost is carried by families torn by death, divorce, life long disability and grief. It echoes through generations—and burdens a system still struggling to support them all.

My stepfather Charlie served 34 years. First, in the Army Air Corps during World War II and Korea war, and later as a U.S. Army Chaplain, including two tours in Vietnam (1st Cavalry Division). His honors include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Army Commendation Medal.

As a chaplain during war time, served along side Catholic and Jewish chaplains, he lived among the troops, shared their dangers, and offered spiritual comfort. He led services in makeshift locations, and often flew directly into combat zones to be with dying soldiers—young men, often just 18, crying out for their mothers. Moments when humanity is valued over religious dogma.

***A Moment I’ll Never Forget***
Years ago, I found a documentary about one of the battles Charlie had been in and gave it to him as a birthday gift. I thought it would be a way to affirm his service.

He put the tape in the VCR—watched a few minutes and then wept for hours. Over and over he said, “They were just babies.”

That moment changed how I saw everything. There are no glories of war. The pain of memory, the weight of loss—it never leaves those who have seen war firsthand.

***Honoring Charlie***
Charlie was a Baptist from Oklahoma who valued religious freedom, creative expression, and the dignity of all people. He believed that suppressing one set of beliefs opens the door to the suppression of other beliefs. He reveled in art, in music, and believed in healing through creative pursuits. He made friends around the world from every faith background. And stood up when he saw folks using faith to subjugate others.

Though he reached old age, his passing was devastating. A glioblastoma (aggressive brain tumor)—likely related to his time as a pilot—was discovered just before Christmas, led to devastating decline of this strong, beautiful, loving man and he passed away just before Easter. We were absolutely crushed physically, mentally and spiritually by this experience.

We honored his wish to die at home and to care for my mother. I held him as he took his final breath — as he had for others long ago. Jon and I continue to care for Mom in our home.

***Why We Do What We Do***
Our studio’s work is shaped by stories like this. We believe in using creativity as a tool for healing, by promoting peace and connection. We believe in building bridges across generations and cultures, in thinking and feeling our way out of problems rather than fighting through them.

And yes—we may occasionally “wear stretchy pants just for fun.” But it’s always for a purpose: to bring hope, joy, compassion, and love into a world that sorely needs it.

***Back to the Geek Day Post…***
Geeks are creative innovators. Gene Roddenberry’s message—to appreciate differences rather than fear them, to explore in peace as embodied by Star Trek, and to share in the Vulcan blessing, “Live Long and Prosper”—is exactly what we wish for creators everywhere, in the U.S. and around the globe.

We will always honor those who served and sacrificed. And we will also keep creating light, laughter, and love in their honor—because that is part of the legacy they fought for.