I can’t think of a period in time where so many people I interact with in the business are tired. Here we are at Memorial Day Weekend, and there’s that need to recharge, kick back, and chill. And fortunately, we have a nice long three-day weekend to make it happen.
I first want to thank you for reading our blog over these last several months and years. It is your feedback and encouragement that powers this digital publication. We appreciate, read, and respond to all your comments, and I always enjoy chatting with you about posts that resonated for you, good, bad, and otherwise when we meet in person.
But apart from the media maelstrom we talk about every day, it’s important to understand Memorial Day, and recognize what it has meant to all of us here in America – yesterday, today, and in the future.
Many are unaware that while Memorial Day was first celebrated in the years that followed the Civil War (it was originally known as Decoration Day), it’s only been a national holiday since 1971. As has been the case for decades, there will be parades, picnics, and other remembrances. Sadly, there will also be no shortage of car dealership, furniture store, and other “spectacular” sales.
One thing I’m particularly proud of is the way in which so many Rock and Classic Rock stations recognize Memorial Day specifically, and veterans in general. Throughout the years, the wars, and the peace treaties, the topic of veterans’ care has remained controversial.
But so many radio stations have done so many amazing things on behalf of our veterans. And in that context, they serve their communities and a fundamentally important part of our history and our heritage.
From fundraisers to concerts to picnics and parades, Rock Radio has consistently supported the 
troops financially, and has kept our attention focused on veteran needs, concerns, and issues. From entertaining them to even providing them with pet companions, radio has made tangible and impressive contributions.
But it’s not just about the veterans themselves. We were recently introduced to an impressive organization based in Boston called Home Base. Established by the Boston Red Sox and Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base offers services to help veterans who have served, as well as their families.
“When one family member serves, the entire family serves.”
That’s an important aspect of Memorial Day to keep in our thoughts amid the hot dogs, sunscreen, and sail boats.
Enjoy the weekend, keep our veterans and their families in your minds and hearts, and we’ll be back Tuesday with fresh content.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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This is a great reminder. I am the wife, daughter and daughter in law of a Veteran. I believe we all have a responsibility to ensure that the men and women who served are honored, respected and taken care of. Radio across the country does an amazing job of that…..and not because it’s popular, but because it’s the right thing to do.
Spot on, Julie. This is what we do. Appreciate you reading the blog and commenting.
I work for the Radio America Network in Washington DC. Our parent company, the American Veterans Center, is the entity that brought the National Memorial Day Parade back to the streets of Washington. And this year, we’ve got a beaut planned: Buzz Aldrin, Dennis Quaid, Gary Sinese, Joe Mantegna, and a whole lotta grand celebrating.
Hooray Veterans and Those That Came Before Them.
God Bless America.
Long Live Radio.
Beautifully said, Fred! And thanks for the show prep.
I’ll be sure and mention this all weekend, on my shows at WROR in Boston.
❤❤Veterans AND their families
I never think about it this as show prep. JC, hope it’s a great weekend.
All gave some. Some gave all.
Thanks, Fred, for the important reminder and thanks to all our wonderful service members, past and present, that make all we love and do possible.
And also a special thanks and salute to the radio stations that take time to thank and salute all our deserving military personnel.
God bless you all.
Couldn’t have said it better, Dave. Thanks.