Community Chat

[Sooner]

I find it bizarre that someone is offended by others wishing them happiness.  And I am sure that many remember and many feel a loss, but doesn't mean they can't also be happy Monday.

One doesn't have to sit and mourn to miss, love and respect someone and treasure the memory or appreciate the sacrifice.  They didn't make that sacrifice for us not to be happy either.  I think most would have wanted that for their loved ones.

[PamfromCT]

I do believe many younger people do not understand the full scope of WWI, Vietnam, and WWII.

I am a history buff, and I am still learning.  No, it is not pleasant and entertaining, the books and television specials on the History channel and such.  But it is real and the ultimate horror show, the history of all these past wars.

My Dad served in this country in WWII,  teaching physical ed to pilot trainees.  His brother and brother-in-law were fighting overseas.  I think of my grandparents, and the worry they 

endured, like so many other families.

Ever talk to a veteran who survived a war?  I have.  And one very old veteran I knew from a nursing home, a really sweet man.  When he passed, his wife said that on his deathbed he cried, recounting the plane crash in battle where he was the sole survivor.  He had never told anyone about that.

I did watch "Saving Private Ryan," which some people think was a good depiction of battle.  It was quite disturbing.

I would rather say most anything but "Happy Memorial Day."

[ruthbe]

My dad served in WW2.  He was wounded when he was in Europe.  Almost lost he life.  He never wanted to talk about his time in the war.  I can understand that. 

My grandfather served in WW1.  He was born in the Soviet Union.  He wanted to

join the army defend and protect his new home that he loved.  That is how he became a Naturilazed Citizen.

I have had so much respect for our veterans and their families.  They have done so much and sacrified so much for our country.  I recently watched Band of Brothers on Cable.  I just cried. 

[Grand Happy]

Thank you for your post. I have lost a family member in war., it's a punch in the gut when his remains weren't found for many years and after my grandmother died.
I'm not surprised because what this country has turned into not many even now what MEMORIAL DAY means. It's not HAPPY A HOLIDAY Leah just said that.
It's a day to be grateful for our freedom and for those who gave their all. Our son is Active Duty, one reason he enlisted was because of our fallen family member.
God Bless America land that I love 🇺🇲

[LindaSal]

I don't feel people have the least intention of insensitivity saying "happy" memorial day.

Most holiday greetings begin with "happy" so I don't feel offense should be taken.  Many of us have had military family members who served proudly.   We all feel in our hearts the true meaning of the day.  Let's celebrate the memory of those we love!

@Sooner ITA.

[JeanLouiseFinch]

I admit to saying Happy Memorial Day in another post, even though I know better.  I'm very aware of the meaning of the day.  

I also admit to being somewhat annoyed when people post about Veterans on Memorial Day, and vice versa.  Know the difference people! 🇺🇸 

[PamfromCT]

I am here again, with a story I would like to share.  I volunteered for years on a skilled nursing unit, and I heard so many compelling stories from the residents.

I knew Joseph only a little, as he was very quiet.  One day his daughter was visiting, and asked a few of us if Joe had ever talked about his experiences in WWII.  No, he did not.  She recounted to us that his role in the war was to drive the boats

back and forth from England to the beach invasion in France.

I thanked him so much for all he did.  A man of few words, Joe replied "There were a lot of bodies in the water."

Those who died for us cannot talk and recount stories.  Just listen to the survivors.  They fought and died for freedom.  We can never repay them.  

[PamfromCT]

@Sooner, With respect, I ask you to consider would anyone say

Happy Holocaust Remembrance Day ?

[Sooner]

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@PamfromCT wrote:

@Sooner, With respect, I ask you to consider would anyone say

Happy Holocaust Remembrance Day ?

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@PamfromCT Memorial Day is about people who served and died to make this country free.  I celebrate their service and the sacrifice they made for all of us who came after them.  I don't think heroes should be remembered with mouring but acknowledgment of how great their service is and joy at what they bought and paid for with their lives.  

What is the point in all this?  Should people not be happy?  Do you NOT want people to gather, laugh, have picnics?  What do you expect?  I just don't see the point.  Do what you want and let others have the day in their own way. 

We do say Happy Easter in my religion, so to me I see it that way. 

[PamfromCT]

@Sooner, we will agree to disagree.  Believe me, I like nothing  more than to see people happy.  No one is saying people should go around wearing "sackcloth and ashes."  This did not have to get personal.  So very sorry it did.