Thoughts from a new generation of veterans on Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, Michigan Radio spoke with veterans who have recently served overseas about how they observed the holiday.

Jeremy Suckow of Flint served in the Navy for six years. His memorial day looked a lot like everyone else's. For him, the beer and barbecuing is all part of it.

“We did our time and it's no big deal, and then other guys have gone there and paid the ultimate sacrifice, and why not toast to that, celebrate that,” says Suckow.

Flint’s Kyle Cawood is in the National Guard. He served in Iraq in 2008. Like Suckow, his Memorial Day was low key. He wanted to “enjoy the day, and remember.”

Jeremy Suckow doesn’t think there’s a right or wrong way to observe the holiday. “I like to say that, if you're gonna celebrate Memorial Day, let it be cheerful and memorable. But most importantly memorable.”

This story was informed by the Public Insight Network. You can share your Memorial Day stories with Michigan Radio, or share another story idea by clicking here.