The American Soldier's Legacy: Celebrating Memorial Day with Friends

I want to wish everyone a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! I hope you all celebrate it with friends and family and, most importantly, health and peace.

Nine years ago, this Sunday, I performed The American Soldier for the very first time in front of eight people, of which five weren't even there for me but there to see another show I was performing with. It has been a wonderful journey traveling the country, honoring veterans and military families, and, most importantly, sharing our American Story.

As we all celebrate and enjoy Memorial Day, remember that besides being a long and fun weekend, it is also a solemn reminder of the profound sacrifices made by the brave men and women of our United States military and their families. It is a day for all of us to honor their memory and deeply reflect on the values of freedom we have been blessed with, thanks to their selflessness.

As I celebrate Memorial Day with my family, I will remember my dream of creating my play and performing it that Memorial weekend on a rainy Sunday with eight people in the audience, the Gold sister who encouraged me to keep going, and most of all, all the friends I have made and memories I have been blessed with on my journey performing, most importantly, my play!

Thank you, and happy Memorial Day!

Douglas

The History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May in the United States, is dedicated to honoring our military personnel who have died in service. Decoration Day began after the Civil War to commemorate fallen soldiers, with the first significant observance in 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery. The name evolved to Memorial Day, and it became a federal holiday in 1971.

My first performance in front of 8 people in lower Manhattan - 9 years ago!

These are a few of the many wonderful Veteran and Military families I've met and become good friends with over the years because of my play, in what's hard to believe, over 50 cities and 35 states! There are so many more that I could even try to name all. I thank each one of you for your support and friendship and for your service to the nation!You have given me more than I could have ever dreamed of! 

Thank you!!

Happy Memorial Day, and Thank You all for your service!!