Welcome to another episode of Service Before Self. Today, Mickey Markoff joins the podcast. He is the Executive Producer of the National Salute to America’s Heroes. The mission of the National Salute to America’s Heroes presented by HYUNDAI is to bring back the true meaning and spirit of Memorial Day weekend and pay tribute to all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our freedom. It showcases the capability of all military members and also features some of the equipment and technology that makes the American military so remarkable.

What makes this event so special is that it brings service members, veterans, their families, and the families of those who have fallen in service together with Americans who might not have an affiliation or a true understanding of what it means to serve or to be a veteran. The goal of this event is to close the civil-military divide and to create understanding and connection for those who have served and those who haven’t.

Key Takeaways:

[2:30] Colonel Sam shares the meaning of Memorial Day for him and accompanies it with a personal story.

[6:09] Mickey shares his excitement in sharing the true meaning of Memorial Day.

[6:46] Mickey shares the meaning and mission of the National Salute to America’s Heroes.

[9:18] Mickey emphasizes the importance of humanizing Memorial Day.

[10:38] Mickey shares the history of the National Salute to America’s Heroes.

[13:30] Mickey talks about the great team that makes the National Salute to America’s Heroes possible and awesome.

[15:10] What is Mickey’s long-term vision?

[15:58] What is the Salute 365 Initiative about?

[20:30] Mickey talks about the current isolation and the lack of humanization of military servers.

[22:04] How can people participate in the event?

[23:35] Watch Gold Star Tribute, a one-hour television show produced by Peter Berg.

[28:02] Colonel Sam shares the highlights of the conversation with Mickey, encourages the audience to connect with a veteran on Memorial Day and to listen to his/her story.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook

Dixon Center on Twitter

Dixon Center on Instagram

National Salute to America’s Heroes

Salute 365 Initiative

Tweetables and quotes:

“Seek out veterans and encourage them to share their story, connect with the families of the fallen, and ask them to share their story, and through active listening, you will discover the true meaning of Memorial Day.”

“Freedom isn’t free, there are a lot of people sacrificing their lives for freedom to exist.”

“Memorial Day is a celebration of how military servers lived and served.”