May 19, 2026

The Forum marked National Military Appreciation Month in the run-up to Monday’s Memorial Day holiday.

Four veterans spoke, recalling the perils of service, and the long-term effects that service members often carry for the rest of their lives.

A video of today’s discussion should be posted Wednesday. Above are the speakers’ final comments – advice to their fellow service members, but also to the Charlotte public, on how they can both honor and help their neighbors with a military service background.