NPR Readers Honor Lost Loved Ones for Memorial Day 2025
Washington, D.C. – May 24, 2025 – As the United States prepares to observe Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, 2025, NPR readers across the country are sharing heartfelt stories of military service members they’ve lost, honoring their sacrifices and keeping their memories alive. Observed annually on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day—originally known as Decoration Day—was formalized in 1868 to commemorate those who died in service to the U.S. military. For 2025, NPR invited readers to reflect on the service members they’re remembering, yielding poignant tributes to parents, grandparents, and others whose courage shaped their families and the nation.
Stories of Sacrifice and Service
NPR’s call for submissions, launched earlier this month, brought stories from diverse corners of the U.S., each highlighting the personal impact of military service. Hope Sutton of Wilmington, N.C., shared memories of her grandfather, Hans George Faltin, a World War II volunteer and mechanical engineer who led a troop tasked with defusing booby traps in reclaimed towns. Known as “Captain Booby Trap,” Faltin’s scientific contributions saved countless lives. “I don’t romanticize war and feel all wars should end,” Sutton said. “However, I believe strongly in service, honor, and doing what is right. This is what I reflect on this Memorial Day.”
Sheri Vandeventer paid tribute to her mother, Mary Alice Putnam Vandeventer, one of the 1,102 Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) who earned their wings during World War II. These women flew military aircraft stateside, freeing male pilots for combat missions overseas. Though the WASP program was disbanded in 1944, Congress recognized them as veterans in 1977. “My mother said her service was the thing she was most proud of in her life, because she loved to fly and wanted to help the country during WWII,” Vandeventer said. She uses Memorial Day to honor all who served, even those who survived, acknowledging their role in protecting the nation.
Makaela Douglas, 30, from South Bend, Ind., remembered her grandfather, Nicholas Marozsan, a Navy torpedoman’s mate seaman (TMSN) who served on a submarine during the Korean War. “He was my entire world and best friend,” Douglas said. On Memorial Day, she visits his grave, plays “Taps” on her phone, and notes the flags placed on veterans’ tombstones. “I honor those who sacrificed their lives for this country,” she added, also making a point to thank veterans she encounters year-round.
Kirsten Foster of Mason, Mich., shared the story of her great-uncle, Pfc. John Francis Rys, a paratrooper in the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment who enlisted at 16 and died at 18 during Operation Varsity on March 24, 1945—the largest single-day airborne operation in history. “Since he never got to have a family of his own, it feels like it’s my job to keep his memory and sacrifice alive,” Foster said. “I want to tell as many people as possible, so everyone knows what a hero he was.”
Higgin, now 65, mourned her father, Ted, who died on February 11, 1964, when his A-4 Skyhawk crashed into the sea while approaching the USS Bon Homme Richard. “My mother always said Ted was a true patriot,” she said. “I don’t remember my father, but I know he was smart and quiet and died so that Americans can live in freedom.” For Higgin, Memorial Day is a time of both mourning and honor.
A Tradition of Remembrance
Memorial Day, rooted in the post-Civil War tradition of decorating soldiers’ graves, was formalized by the Grand Army of the Republic’s commander, John A. Logan, in 1868. Today, it remains a solemn occasion to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Across the U.S., military headstones are adorned with American flags, and communities gather for ceremonies, parades, and moments of silence. NPR’s initiative amplifies these tributes, giving families a platform to share stories of courage and loss.
Social media posts on X reflect the holiday’s weight, with users like @Ronald_vanLoon sharing quotes such as, “The brave die never, though they sleep in dust, their courage nerves a thousand living men” (Minot J. Savage), and @I_Am_Winter emphasizing gratitude for veterans’ sacrifices. These sentiments echo the NPR readers’ reflections, blending personal loss with national pride.
A Call to Reflect
While Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, with families enjoying long weekends, NPR’s feature reminds us of its deeper purpose. The stories shared—from a WWII engineer to a Korean War submariner—highlight the diverse roles and sacrifices of service members. As Sutton noted, the holiday is a time to reflect on “service, honor, and doing what is right,” even for those who oppose war.
As Americans prepare for Memorial Day 2025, NPR’s collection of reader stories serves as a powerful reminder to pause and honor those who gave their lives for freedom. Whether through visiting graves, sharing stories, or reflecting quietly, these tributes ensure that the fallen are never forgotten.