More Than a Holiday: The Meaning of Memorial Day & Why Construction Should Care
Every year, Memorial Day rolls around and social media lights up with poolside photos, barbecue invitations and handful of mentions "honoring our heroes." For many, it’s the unofficial kickoff to summer. But for others—especially veterans and their families—it’s a deeply personal day of remembrance. And it should be for all of us.
This isn’t just another three-day weekend. Memorial Day is a sacred pause. A national moment to honor those who gave their lives in military service. The ones who never made it back. The ones whose families carry the weight of that sacrifice every day—not just in May.
This day has always been special to me. My grandfathers served. My dad served. And while they made it home, many of their brothers in arms did not. My father went on to build a long career in construction—a path I ultimately followed, not just out of admiration for him, but because I saw firsthand how the industry embraced his work ethic, his leadership and his sense of duty.
So that’s where I’m coming from this week. First, remembering what Memorial Day really means. And second to shine a light on why the construction industry should take notice.
The Real Meaning Behind Memorial Day
Memorial Day hasn’t always been about celebration. It began as "Decoration Day" after the Civil War, when Americans would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. It wasn’t until 1971 that Memorial Day became the formal federal holiday we know today, observed on the last Monday in May. At its heart, though, the meaning hasn’t changed: it’s a time to mourn, reflect and give thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
That’s why it’s important to take pause. To acknowledge that freedom isn’t free. And to understand that every flag at half-staff, every headstone in a veterans' cemetery, represents a story cut short.
But even in mourning, there is room for gratitude. Because those sacrifices have allowed us to build—literally and figuratively—the world we live in.
Why Construction Should Care
Here’s the truth: Memorial Day isn’t just about remembering the fallen—it’s also about supporting those they left behind. Veterans who made it home are often still looking for purpose, for belonging and for a way to keep building something bigger than themselves. And as an industry, construction is uniquely positioned to provide that path.
Nearly 6.5% of all employed U.S. veterans are already working in construction. They come with hard to match skills in discipline, leadership and resilience. They have a deep respect for safety protocols and rely on teamwork under pressure.
Sound familiar?
You see, they don’t just fill a labor gap. They raise the bar. In fact, studies show veterans tend to outperform their civilian peers in job reliability, leadership and retention. They get promoted faster. They stay longer. They thrive in environments where mission and teamwork matter.
That’s why those of us in construction need to pay attention. Supporting veterans isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategic advantage. When you bring a veteran onto your team, you're not just hiring a worker. You’re gaining a leader. A problem-solver. A teammate who understands what it means to show up for the people next to them.
How Construction Can Support Veterans
If you’re worried about how to support your fellow coworkers who are veterans, you don’t have to start from scratch. Programs like Helmets to Hardhats, UA Veterans in Piping and the Home Builders Institute already exist to connect veterans to training, apprenticeships and job placements in the trades. These initiatives help veterans translate their service into certifications, credentials and careers—many of which include the use of GI Bill benefits and offer full-time pay from day one.
And for veterans dealing with the grief of lost comrades, this industry can also be a source of healing. The camaraderie found on jobsites often mirrors the bond forged in service. Brotherhood doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Construction has the unique ability to offer a new kind of mission with a new kind of team. It’s not just about swinging hammers—it’s about building communities, solving problems and creating something lasting.
For many veterans, it’s the perfect continuation of their service ethos while working shoulder to shoulder with others who’ve walked a similar path.
A Final Thought This Memorial Day
Yes, this past weekend we took a trip. We even hosted a barbecue. But also, we took a moment—a real moment—to honor what Memorial Day is all about. If you have family or friends like me that are veterans, why not do the same? Share a moment with them. Visit the cemetery. Teach your kids what we’re really reflecting on this week.
To the families who mourn this Memorial Day, we see you. We thank you. And to those who served and continue to build our country in new ways—you’re not just part of the workforce. You’re part of the foundation.
And if you're in the construction industry, here’s your call to action: don’t just wave a flag—open a door. Be intentional about hiring, supporting and developing veterans. Create pathways. Celebrate their value. Because when we invest in veterans, we’re not just honoring the past. We’re building a stronger future.
We remember. We build. We honor. Come join us.
Construction is cool, tell your friends!