Memorial Day was set aside to remember military men and women who died while serving and this year’s celebration was not different. Across the country, flags flew at half-mast and people took time to honor those who gave their lives.
Many celebrities joined in, posting thoughtful messages and throwback photos. Stars like Tom Hanks, Dwayne Johnson, and Dolly Parton all shared their own ways of showing respect. Still, one post caught the most attention. Loretta Swit, who played Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan in the long-running military comedy-drama M*A*S*H, shared a heartfelt message.
Loretta Swit shared an emotional tribute on Memorial Day
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To mark the day, Swit shared an old photo of herself in uniform from her M*A*S*H days. She thanked the men and women who served and gave their lives, using a few simple words and symbols to express her thoughts. On her Instagram stories, she also posted a video from one of the show’s most emotional scenes.
It came from the first season, where Hawkeye, played by Alan Alda, breaks down after losing a close friend in battle. In the scene, he wonders why this death made him cry when he had seen so many others. His superior officer answers with a quiet explanation about the hard truths of war.
Fans react to Loretta Swit’s Instagram post
Right after Swit’s post went live, fans filled the comment section with appreciation. One wrote about how M*A*S*H still feels like a gift after all these years. Others said they had been watching the show again lately, and that it made them think of real soldiers who served in Korea and beyond.
A few people called Swit beautiful, both back then and now, and thanked her for still sharing pieces of the show and its message. The post was a reminder of how famous M*A*S*H once was, not just as a TV series, but because it helped understand the weight of war in a real, human way.