Community Chat

[Flatbush]

Most of what I have been seeing and hearing about Memorial Day especially in  the media has been about a long weekend, traffic  and Bar B Q's.

However, close by, there is a huge event called Fleet Week @ Los Angeles Port and huge crowds have been coming  to see The USS Iowa  and other Ships of importance.

There is a very large population of the Military, all branches represented. They are there to answer questions about the equipment on display and greet the people.

Familes are also coming in from other states.

 as well as locals. 

So many people have come that L.A. has busses to pick them up from parking lots and take them directly to the Port.

[silver Goldie]

[granddi]

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@rms1954 wrote:

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@ruthbe wrote:

This is not just at QVC...on the current show..Alberti and Amy...wishing "Happy Memorial Day."  I guess they don't understand the meaning of Memorial Day and what it stands for. 

However it isn't just QVC...I have heard it from others also. 

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Does not surprise me at all.  It's like one of those news channels where they send an announcer out on the street to interview young people who was clueless.

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My husband is a veteran and every Memorial Day he gets a Happy Memorial Day text from an old guy friend. Husband says "should I tell him I'm not dead yet?"

[Greeneyedlady21]

People who should definitely know what Memorial Day is all about don't seem to know. 

For me it's a somber day to remember and admire the women and men who gave all. And to remember my personal lost loved ones too, I miss and remember them every day but this is yet another holiday to do so.

I don't like "Happy Memorial Day", but people are going to say things like that and it doesn't affect how I view the day.

[LorelaiGilmore]

It is offensive and ignorant to say "Happy Memorial Day". I was two when my 18 year old brother was killed in Vietnam. A shadow hung over my parents for the rest of their lives. My life was profoundly impacted as well. It is not a day to celebrate. If you haven't been through it, you don't know. It is also NOT about celebrating living veterans.

[Trailrun23]

Costco is the only large retailer that is closed on Memorial Day. I think most others think of Memorial Day as another reason to hold a sale. I notice there are fewer flags being flown in honor of our fallen heroes. We have our long walkway up to our house lined with our country's flag; about 16 of them. DH, who is a veteran, loves to put them out for Memorial Day and on the 4th. Neighbors always tell us how much they look forward to seeing them. 

We must never forget these brave men and women who gave their lives so we could have our freedom.

[Carmie]

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@They CallMe MRWILKES wrote:

Everyone should be able to do (or not do) whatever they feel is appropriate during the Memorial Day weekend. 

Freedom of choice is part of what America is all about.

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Everyone IS FREE to do or say whatever on Memorial Day.

We all know you can't fix stupid or force people to be respectful.

 Memorial Day is a  occasion to honor those who died in the service to their country....nothing more, nothing less.

Not everyone is respectful and it gets worse as time goes on.  When someone close to you dies while serving, it hits home.

I appreciate those who died in service to their country.  They and their family deserve to be honored and I choose to honor them.

Those who don't.  Well, that's on them.

[febe1]

One million two hundred fifty thousand soldiers have died serving our country since the beginning of our country. And many don't even know what Memorial is about. 

There always will  be a sad loss for families all over the country. It means more to them than a big sale day, or a day off. When their country called, they went and made the ultimate sacrifice. Most never lived to have a home, family, children and the joy of life. So very young. And they gave it all. May they rest in peace and God bless them and thank you.

[2sisters]

@LorelaiGilmore  I am so sorry your parents lost their son and you lost your brother, I truly am.  I know your heart is heavy today.  
Today is  far from happy for you and other families that lost a loved one while they unselfishly fought for our freedom. 

[catwoman48]

@Sooner, I see it your way! To me “Happy Memorial Day” means that our country has seen fit to set aside a day to remember those who gave their lives so we could enjoy our many freedoms. It is a tribute, not a day to cry and moan. Tears should be shed at graveside, not saying they shouldn’t. Admittedly, I cry like a baby every single Memorial Day (and truth be told on July 4 and other holidays as well) when I remember the Marine friend I lost in the Vietnam war in January 1968. Nothing will ever heal that wound, or make up for the life and family he was denied, but Johnny would want us all to be happy and appreciate his sacrifice and the sacrifices of so many others.