Memorial Day

We are all excited for the long holiday weekend, countless sales, and the unofficial start of summer! But we often forget what the last Monday in May is really all about. Memorial Day was started back in 1868 to remember and honor those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

During World War II the founder of Mehron Makeup, Mehron Melik, began commemorating Memorial Day in unique and honorable way. The severity of the battles from the war left many soldiers disabled and often disfigured. Back then, reconstructive surgery wasn’t what it is today and was often a lengthy and painful process. Mehron turned to his popular line of professional stage and screen makeup to help comfort the wounded men and women returning from war.

Mehron offered his products and his makeup expertise to many of the soldiers who were returning home disfigured from the devastation of a horrific war. He taught them how to use his makeup to help begin the healing process from the damage caused to their physical and mental wellbeing. His service allowed soldiers to acclimate back into society without having their physical scars be the first thing people noticed. The success of Mehron’s Memorial Day service was so great that he turned it into an ongoing program throughout the year, regularly visiting soldiers affected by war, teaching them how to use his theatrical makeup to ease their acclimation back into society.

Mehron Melik spent countless hours devoted to giving back to those who fought for our freedom. Please remember to take a moment this Memorial Day to recognize and honor all who have served our country. To all of our close friends in the makeup community, we challenge you – how can you use your artistic talents to serve others?