Memorial Day at AVAY: Honoring Sacrifice, Preserving Legacy

At AVAY, Memorial Day is more than a long weekend—it’s a moment to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives in defense of our country. As we enjoy time with our families and friends, we take time to remember those who didn’t come home, and we recommit ourselves to values that matter: integrity, responsibility, service, and community.

There are many meaningful ways to honor Memorial Day. Visiting a veterans’ cemetery, decorating a hero’s gravesite with an American flag, or attending a local memorial or wreath-laying ceremony are powerful acts of remembrance. You can also observe the National Moment of Silence at 3 p.m., or share a fallen soldier’s photo or story on social media to keep their memory alive. If you know a Gold Star Family, a small act of kindness—like a call, note, or home-cooked meal—can make a world of difference.

As a company rooted in environmental stewardship, AVAY sees Memorial Day as an opportunity not just to look back in gratitude, but to look forward with purpose. Many of our veterans fought to preserve the land we call home. One way we can honor their legacy is by taking better care of it—through conscious efforts to protect the environment, reduce waste, and live sustainably.

Recycling electronics responsibly is one such act. Instead of tossing old laptops, phones, and tech into the trash, consider bringing them to AVAY or a certified e-waste facility. Keeping hazardous materials out of landfills protects our soil, water, and future generations. Our efforts at AVAY to recycle and refurbish electronics help extend the life of valuable resources while keeping our planet cleaner—a legacy we hope aligns with the values our heroes fought to defend.

Fun Memorial Day Facts You May Not Know

• Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and began after the Civil War as a time to decorate fallen soldiers’ graves.

• The tradition of wearing red poppies originated from the World War I poem In Flanders Fields.

• It wasn’t until 1971 that Memorial Day became an official federal holiday.

• The National Memorial Day Concert, broadcast annually on PBS, brings together military stories, music, and remembrance.

• "Taps"—the iconic bugle call played at military funerals—was first composed during the Civil War and remains a powerful symbol of honor and farewell.

  
  

A Heartwarming Memorial Day Story

Memorial Day is rooted in remembrance, but it’s also a time for uplifting stories that connect generations. One that stands out is the mission of WWII veteran Sidney Walton, who at age 99 began touring the country to meet every U.S. governor to raise awareness about the sacrifices of his fellow servicemen. His message was simple but profound: Don’t forget the heroes. Sidney’s journey brought smiles, tears, and national attention. You can read his inspiring story here: NPR: This 101-Year-Old WWII Veteran Is on a Mission to Meet Every Governor

This Memorial Day, Let’s Reflect and Act

At AVAY, we believe that honoring those who gave everything means living with purpose, responsibility, and care for one another—and for the planet. As you remember the fallen, we invite you to join us in protecting the home they fought for by recycling responsibly and making small choices that lead to big change.

We wish you a thoughtful, peaceful, and purposeful Memorial Day.