Something that adjusted my cynical attitude as a college student was reading "Don't Blow Yourself Up" by Homer Hickam. He was an early role model of mine as a child watching October Sky on repeat, and in the book he describes being judged for his time in the military regardless of what he did or how he felt about it.

And just in case you're going to run into someone who will chastise you for thanking them this weekend: Memorial Day is dedicated to the dead, Veterans Day to the living / all veterans. So attending a memorial service may be an appropriate way to mark the weekend.

https://www.hfotusa.org/difference-memorial-day-veterans-day...