From Honor to Action: How Memorial Day Can Spark Your Own Legacy Plan
Memorial Day isn’t just about burgers, beers, and backyard blowups. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and honor the brave souls who gave everything so we could live freely.
And while we’re remembering those legacies, it’s also the perfect time to check in on your own. Because estate planning? It’s not just a stack of documents—it’s your love letter to the future. It’s how you protect what matters, pass on your values, and make sure your people aren’t left with court drama or financial chaos when you’re gone.
So this Memorial Day, raise a glass to the heroes—and maybe start thinking about how you’ll be remembered too.
More Than Paperwork: Estate Planning with Purpose
Estate planning isn’t about legal jargon or stuffing a binder with documents no one understands. Real legacy—the kind that matters—is about passing down your values, your wisdom, and the life lessons that made you you. That’s what we do with Estate Planning at 20West Legal.
Your loved ones don’t just need a clean transfer of assets (though yes, we handle that too). They need clarity. Protection. And the kind of plan that keeps them out of court, out of conflict, and surrounded by the meaning you worked so hard to create.
And on Memorial Day, when we honor those who gave everything for a future they wouldn’t live to see, we’re reminded: legacy is a gift we give forward. Their bravery challenges us to think—what will we leave behind? Confusion, or comfort? A mess of documents, or a message that lasts?
You don’t need to be a hero to leave a legacy worth remembering. Just a little planning, a lot of heart, and the right guide by your side (hi, that’s me).
Don’t Let Their Story Fade: What to Do with Military Keepsakes & Service Records
For families with military roots, Memorial Day hits different. It’s not just a day off—it’s a reminder of real courage, real sacrifice, and real legacy. And that legacy? It deserves more than a dusty box in the attic.
Whether it’s Grandpa’s war letters, a Purple Heart, or a faded photo in uniform, military heirlooms hold stories that shaped your family and our country. But if they’re not properly protected, those stories risk getting lost, damaged, or forgotten.
That’s where thoughtful estate planning comes in. We’re not just talking about passing down assets—we’re talking about preserving history. I help families inventory and document these priceless treasures and the stories behind them. Who earned the medal? Where did they serve? What did they survive? These aren’t just keepsakes—they’re living history.
And let’s not forget service records—because benefits, veteran protections, and even burial honors hinge on keeping those organized and included in your plan. Want to go next-level? Let’s record some oral history while we’re at it—straight from the source.
Legacy isn’t just about what you leave behind—it’s how you leave it. And I can help make sure your family's military legacy gets the honor it deserves.
Why Everyone Needs an Estate Plan (Not Just Your Wealthy Uncle)
Let’s bust a big myth: Estate planning isn’t just for the rich, retired, or on-their-way-to-Boca crowd. It’s for everyone—yes, even you with the messy junk drawer, the startup savings account, and the toddler who thinks cheese sticks are a food group.
Here’s the deal: We all have people we love, values we live by, and stuff we’ll eventually leave behind. The only real question is—will you leave it all tied up in a bow… or a legal disaster? Your move.
For parents of young kids, a Kids Protection PlanⓇ is non-negotiable. Because unless you want a judge picking your child’s guardian, you’ve got planning to do.
In the thick of your career? Estate planning protects what you’re building and sets you up to grow smarter.
Already retired? Then it’s time to focus on living life your way—and making sure your wishes are honored with dignity.
No matter your season of life, estate planning is how you say, “I’ve got this—and I’ve got you.” And I’m here to help you make sure that message is crystal clear, long after you’re gone.
More Than Stuff: Leave a Legacy That Actually Matters
When we sit down together, I’m not just asking about your house, your accounts, or your stuff (though yes, we’ll cover all of that too). I’m going to help you think through your real legacy—how your family, your values, and your wishes play out if you become incapacitated or when you’re no longer here. Spoiler: your most valuable asset might not be your bank account, but the wisdom, love, and clarity you leave behind. That’s where my Estate Planning Recording comes in.
As part of my signature Estate Planning process, I help you create a recording where you share what truly matters—your beliefs, your stories, your hopes for your family’s future. You can offer advice, pass on traditions, share life lessons (yes, even the messy ones), and make sure your loved ones hear it straight from you.
And that heirloom necklace? That Purple Heart? That tattered recipe card? You'll have the chance to tell your people why it matters and why you chose them to carry it forward.
I’ll also work with you to go beyond just transferring wealth—we’ll talk about how to pass on financial wisdom, charitable values, and the kind of guidance that doesn’t show up in bank statements.
Especially around Memorial Day, as we reflect on sacrifice and service, it’s the perfect time to think about the kind of legacy you want to leave. Let’s make sure it’s one that lasts.
No More Delaying—It’s Time to Lock It Down
Memorial Day hits different—it’s a powerful reminder that legacy matters. And while we’re honoring the heroes who came before us, it’s also the perfect time to pause and ask: How do I want to be remembered?
Don’t let those deep thoughts fade with the long weekend. Use them. Channel that energy into something that actually lasts—your estate plan.
Start simple: What values do you want passed down? What stories do you want your grandkids telling at the dinner table one day? What items in your house hold meaning you understand but no one else would get without a little context? Write that stuff down. Even if it's on a Post-it. Just start.
Then let’s get real: Who's raising your kids if you're not around? Who’s making the call on your healthcare if you can’t? What happens to that family home or your grandmother’s rosary beads—or heck, your Taylor Swift vinyl collection? If you don’t answer these questions now, a judge who doesn’t know you or your people will. And that’s not a vibe.
This is your nudge. Let Memorial Day be more than just burgers and flags—let it be the day you start protecting your story and the people who matter most.
One Click Closer to Peace of Mind
Let’s be real—this Memorial Day isn’t just about honoring those who gave everything (though we absolutely do). It’s also a reminder that you have a legacy worth protecting, too.
So let’s make sure your values, your stories, and everything you’ve built don’t disappear when you do. Your legacy shouldn’t live in a dusty drawer—it should live on in the people you love, with a plan that actually works when they need it most.
Ready to start? It’s easier than you think. Schedule a quick, no-pressure, 15-minute call with me, and let’s talk about how to make it happen—your way, your legacy, your people protected.
👉 https://go.20westlegal.com/meeting-scheduler
Because planning ahead? That’s badass love.
This article is a service of 20WestLegal LLC. We don't just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you've ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office in Sudbury, Massachusetts today to schedule an Estate Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.