This Memorial Day, Lowe’s associates across the country are turning those familiar veterans parking spots into heartfelt spaces for remembrance and gratitude.
Step into a Lowe’s parking lot and you might spot hand-painted displays or carefully arranged tributes. Simple gestures that speak volumes about honoring those who gave everything for their country.
For Kate Kramer, Memorial Day isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s personal.
Kramer, a merchandising assistant store manager at Lowe’s in Casa Grande, Arizona, has always found ways to support veterans and military families, whether through hands-on volunteer work or community projects. This year, she’s back at it, helping bring a Memorial Day tribute to life at her store.
“My grandparents served in the military, I have cousins that served in the military, and then we lost a brother-in-law during 9/11,” Kramer said. “It’s just really close to our heart.”
After her husband retired from the military following 32 years of service, Kramer found herself drawn to Lowe’s, partly because of the company’s deep commitment to veterans.
“One of the reasons I chose to come work for Lowe’s was because of how supportive they are of veterans,” she said. “When I found out about the Memorial Day tribute program, I immediately volunteered.”
Each year, Kramer teams up with another associate with military ties to brainstorm and plan the display together.
“It’s something you want to make an impact with,” Kramer said. “You want people walking in the door to see that Lowe’s is supportive of veterans and military families.”
Last year, neighbors and community members made special trips just to see the display, some pausing for a quiet moment to remember loved ones and let the memories settle in.
For Kramer, Memorial Day is more than a tradition, it’s a chance to honor the sacrifices made by service members and the families who stand beside them.
“It’s important for us to take the time to recognize them and thank them,” she said. “We never want those sacrifices to go unthought about.”
As customers walk past this year’s tribute, Kramer hopes they’ll take a moment to pause, reflect, and remember what the holiday truly means.
“Just continue to be thankful,” she said. “Think about the people who gave their lives and made those sacrifices for all of us.”