Memorial Day is often thought of as the first official day of summer. It is a day to head out to the lake to open the cabin after a long winter; a time to picnic and fly kites with family and friends; and quite possibly the first chance one has to fire up the barbecue and throw on some steaks. Memorial Day is a day off from work, and a time to take advantage of shopping specials and discount deals. Most people think of the holiday as just that, a time to relax and enjoy the blissful existence that comes with no responsibilities. Although people generally understand the true meaning of Memorial Day, few people regard it with the significance it so richly deserves.

Memorial Day is designed to honor the men and women who have sacrificed their lives while serving in the Armed Forces. The day was originally known as “Decoration Day,” and was created in 1868 in order to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers that died during the American Civil War. It was declared a national holiday that would occur on the last Monday in May by the Congressional passage of the National Holiday Act in 1971. Since then, the true intent of the holiday has gradually gotten more and more skewed.

Tom Figliuzzi, Veterans Services Officer at the Clay Country Veterans Service Office, has dedicated his life to helping veterans and advocating for change when necessary. One of the things Figliuzzi would like see changed in regards to veterans is society’s attitudes and behavior in regards to both Memorial Day and Veterans Day. He explained his opinions by comparing veteran’s holidays to the celebration when the Minnesota Twins won the World Series a few years back. “After they won, they were revered,” he began. “When they had their parade, they weren’t asked to make their own floats or organize the event. They simply showed up and rode in the parade and everybody cheered for them.” Figliuzzi compares that to a typical Veteran’s parade in which the vets are asked to coordinate the activities, make the floats, etc. – all for the enjoyment of the public. “It should be the other way around,” he said. “The public should do everything for the veterans. They (veterans) have to work too hard to celebrate their own day.” Figliuzzi would like to see both Memorial Day and Veterans Day made a priority; something more than the first day of summer or the opening of deer season.

The pride and passion both Figliuzzi and his office-partner Jennifer Williams feel for their jobs and the veterans they serve is obvious within just a few minutes of entering their office. Figliuzzi is fondly known as “bulldog” in some circles due to his fierce commitment to helping veterans and their families receive the benefits they so richly deserve. “I fight very hard for my vets,” he said. “Nobody has earned honor and respect more than them.”

Figliuzzi was recently awarded “The Braveheart Award,” given to someone who has “shown exemplary courage and dedication in both personal and professional endeavors – in order to be the best and strongest advocate possible for veterans in general, and more specifically the veterans of Clay County.” Figliuzzi was recognized not only for his commitment to helping veterans, but also his desire to establish the Clay County office as a model for other agencies to follow. As explained by the awards committee, “Tom has made significant efforts to create an office environment of the highest professional level. His efforts have resulted in an outstanding volunteer program that other state offices envy.” It is that volunteer program that is just one of the many ways the Clay Country Veterans Service Office stand tall above the rest.

The Clay County’s Veterans Service Office Volunteer Base is the first volunteer program to function within a Veterans Service Office. Although many said it couldn’t be done, Figliuzzi believed in the possibilities and implemented the program in 2009. Five years later, the program has not only survived, it has thrived. The Clay County office is staff by veterans every afternoon, which allows the Figliuzzi and Williams the freedom to focus the entirety of their efforts of service, not administrative tasks. “We can honestly and wholeheartedly say with confidence that we absolutely would not be able to keep up with the Tsunami of veterans that were are presently experiencing; we could not function and we would not have the nice and welcoming office that we have, without our Veterans Volunteer base,” Figliuzzi said. “Our volunteers have their own unique set of talents that they are more than happy to have tapped into and used.”

Volunteers contribute to the office for a variety of reasons. Some are family of deceased veterans who volunteer out of a sense of respect and admiration. “I recognize the importance of what our office does to support veterans and I’m honored to play a part giving back to them for the commitment and sacrifices they have made to protect our freedoms,” says Kari Tester, a volunteer since 2009. Others volunteer to repay the gifts they feel they have been given. “Initially I started volunteering at the Clay County Veterans Service Office because they had helped me out,” explained Jerry Walker, a volunteer since 2010. “Volunteering helping other sisters and brothers that are veterans makes my heart sing.” Charles Leitheiser, a volunteer since 2011, echoed Walker’s statements. “If you take something from the community there should be a way of returning those efforts,” he said. “That is why I volunteer.” It is that type of attitude that keeps not only the Clay County office running smoothly, but the entire veteran’s community as a whole.

One of the biggest issues Clay County faces is simply getting the word out that a wide range of benefits are available. In addition to traditional military benefits, the office can help access emergency financial assistance, VA healthcare, vocational rehabilitation services, referrals to applicable community resources, military family assistance, and even the Wounded Warrior program. In addition, a grant from the Minnesota State Soldiers Assistance Program has enabled the Clay County office to assist with accessing both dental and optical care for qualified veterans. The programs available to veterans are numerous, but accessing them and decoding red tape can make the process appear daunting. That is where Clay County can help. “If you (veterans) have not had your one-on-one visit with your local Veteran Services Officer, make the call,” Figliuzzi recommended. “We are here to help.”

The country we live in today would be vastly different without the service of military men and women. This Memorial Day, open the lake a little later in the day or forgo that afternoon barbecue until the evening. Take a minute out of the “holiday” to honor those veterans that have secured the lifestyle we enjoy today and simply say thank you.

“And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty weeps the brave.” – Joseph Drake

More information about the Clay County Veterans Service Office can be found at www.co.clay.mn.us/depts/veterans or by calling 218-299-5041.