Honoring and Celebrating Memorial Day in Sobriety

A message from our CEO Mitch Prager:

Memorial Day 1998 is my most memorable Memorial Day

May 25th, 1998 – Memorial Day was my first day of sobriety! I am grateful that since that day, I have not had a drink or drug and this 2024 Memorial Day I celebrate 26 years clean and sober.

Hundreds of thousands perish every year from alcohol and drug use and I easily could have been included in that horrible statistic. I was fortunate as in essence, the alcohol drug abusing me died 26 years ago and I was given a second chance and now I am in the business of second chances and my purpose, passion, and mission in life is helping other men find the way out as I did.

I and most of the team members of Soberman’s Estate have family members that have served in the military and on Memorial Day, we especially understand the importance of acknowledging and honoring the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. As a state licensed, nationally accredited, world class behavioral health residential treatment center, we are particularly aware of the unique challenges that military service members, veterans, and their families face in the pursuit of mental health and wellness.

This Memorial Day, we invite you to join us in remembering and honoring the fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms. It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and recognition of the selflessness and courage exemplified by these service members.

Understanding the Significance of Memorial Day

As Memorial Day approaches, it’s a great time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served our country. Originally established to honor fallen soldiers of the Civil War, this day has grown to become a solemn reminder of the courage and dedication of our military personnel. At Soberman's Estate, we hold these values in high regard, as they resonate deeply with the strength and resilience required on the journey of recovery.

Celebrating Memorial Day While Embracing Sobriety

Celebrating Memorial Day soberly not only respects the essence of the day but also supports your personal journey towards long-lasting recovery. Here are some thoughtful ways to commemorate this important day without compromising your sobriety:

1. Participate in a Memorial Day Service or Event: Attending local parades, ceremonies, or services provides an opportunity to connect with the community and honor those who have sacrificed for our freedoms. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity and dedication—qualities essential for both national pride and personal recovery.
2. Visit a Military Museum or Monument: Take this day to visit places that tell the stories of our nation's history and the individuals who shaped it. Such visits can serve as a sober reflection on the values of bravery, resilience, and integrity.
3. Host a Sober Barbecue or Get-Together: Gather with friends and family for a sober celebration at home. Focus on nutritious and delicious foods, non-alcoholic beverages, and meaningful conversations. This fosters a supportive environment where you can comfortably enjoy the holiday.
4. Engage in Reflective Activities: Memorial Day is an ideal time for reflection. Consider writing letters to veterans thanking them for their service, or journaling about what courage and sacrifice mean to you in the context of both national history and your personal recovery journey.
5. Spend Time in Nature: Whether it’s a quiet walk through a local park, a reflective journey through our very own labyrinth, or a group hike, being in nature can be incredibly grounding and rejuvenating. It's a perfect setting for contemplation and gratitude.

The Role of Memorial Day at Soberman's Estate

At Soberman's Estate, Memorial Day holds a special place as it embodies the principles we cherish—courage, honor, and commitment. These principles are not just foundational to the brave men and women who have defended our country, but are also pivotal in the journey each of our clients undertakes in their battle against addiction. Walking our labyrinth on Memorial Day, our clients find a moment of peace and remembrance, a practice that reinforces their resolve to maintain sobriety in honor of those who have fought for our national well-being.

Memorial Day is a time for remembrance and honor. By celebrating it soberly, you pay homage to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, while also honoring your own commitment to sobriety. Let this day strengthen your resolve and remind you of the values that are essential in both recovery and in life.

Soberman's Estate is a residential men's addiction treatment center that provides discreet, individualized, sophisticated recovery and wellness services for adult men that want to recover from substance use disorders, and or other behavioral issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, or other addictions.  

If you or someone you know are struggling and wondering about the next step for receiving help, please call our Admissions Director for a complimentary consultation at 480.771.9241, or email info@SobermansEstate.com.