🇺🇸WHY 'HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY' IS INAPPROPRIATE🇺🇸 - Page 2

noodleann · ‎06-10-2015

I am so sick of censorship.

I am HAPPY that my male relatives, going back generations, fought for this country--first, to free it from oppressors and create it, then to preserve it from disunion, and then to help rescue the rest of the world from chaos and dictatorships. They made my country possible.

Those relatives I have known personally have HONORED the day by marking the sacrifices of those who died in that service, usually in ceremonies held in the cemetery, and then RELISHING the rest of the afternoon and evening by spending it with loved ones in festive activities. It would not have crossed their minds to assert a sour solemnity over the day. They didn't do what they did so we could cower, our lower lips trembling, because some jerk with a platform bullies us.

Enjoy this day. Celebrate our country. Thank our armed forces, the fallen and those still standing. Be happy we have what we have. Yes, Happy Memorial Day.

Gram W · ‎01-22-2013

@AuberriJean. Thank you for your beautiful words. I wish more people of all ages understood as you now do.

A favorite memory of mine growing up was going to several cemeteries preparing for Memorial Day with my grandmother. We cleaned the area for each of the individuals she knew, trimmed shrubs so old stones could be seen and filled a large canning jar with flowers from her garden. She told me briefly about each person many who were gone before I was born. She taught me to be thankful for their sacrifice and to never forget. We did this until her late 80s when she and her walker could no longer walk the hills and uneven ground. I still travel each year to a couple of the cemeteries. The cemeteries have grown and changed and my memory can not find those from the oldest generations but I have not forgotten them or the lessons she taught me.

I worry about my 6 year old grandson because of all the important history he is not learning in school. They don't teach why we have these special days. I talk to him and explain in small does and hope he remembers but what I say conflicts with what his teachers say. Up thru 3rd grade he went to a small rural school where they regularly pledged our flag and sang God Bless America at all regular assemblies. Now they have to go to the large district elementary school. This year neither is done. I don't want him to lose respect for his teachers authority but I also want him to understand the sacrifices others have made to keep our country free and safe. Our family has been blessed as all of our service members have returned home. Our last was lost at the end of WWII.

My flag is out as always, under a mercury light so it is never in the dark, and I will be lowering it half way on the 29th.

sidsmom · ‎11-25-2011

I see it as 'Have a Good Memorial Day', meaning...honor it as you wish.

The American Flag is half-staff only until Noon.

After 12:00, the day is like any other non-lowering day and

your summertime festivities can commence.

Of course, there's a 3pm remembrance, if you wish to observe.

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

Get with the program....lol Like or not, Memorial Day is also the start of summer. It's the first summer holiday and the beginning of pic nics, bbq's pool parties etc. It's both a day of remembering and honoring for some and a day for fun. So, Happy Memorial Day to everyone!

candys mine · ‎08-20-2012

@sidsmom Thank You. Out of ALL the comments posted here about what NOT to say to aknowledge the day and why, Yours is the only post I've seen that gives advice of What TO say. I am very aware that " happy" is not exactly appropriate for the reverent aspect of the day but without ignoring the day completely What do you say to people? thank you for offering something constructive.

Plaid Pants2 · ‎03-14-2015

Saying "Happy Memorial Day!" is the same thing as saying "Happy Funeral Day!", or "Happy that your friend/loved one is dead!"

Ask a soldier who lost a friend in battle if Memorial Day is "happy".

Ask a mother who lost a child in battle if Memorial Day is "happy".

Ask a child who lost a parent in battle if Memorial Day is "happy".

Ask a wife who lost her husband in battle if Memorial Day is "happy".

No, there is nothing "happy" about Memorial Day.

It is a day set aside to honor those who have DIED in battle, who have LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES for our country.

It is a blatent disrespect to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to say, "Happy Memorial Day".

It is like ignoring the FACT that their death ment anything.

SaRina · ‎04-17-2015

I think it would be a good idea to move Memorial Day to another day of the week. That way, it won't be part of a 3-day weekend, heralding the summer season and it won't be lumped together with BBQ's and sales. I'll bet people won't be saying "Happy Memorial Day" if it were to come on a Wednesday.

I'm not against people having the BBQ's or looking forward to sales, but the sad thing about a lot of people who go around saying "Happy Memorial Day" is that these people, IMO, truly do forget the meaning of the day.

Plaid Pants2 · ‎03-14-2015

@SaRina wrote:
I think it would be a good idea to move Memorial Day to another day of the week. That way, it won't be part of a 3-day weekend, heralding the summer season and it won't be lumped together with BBQ's and sales. I'll bet people won't be saying "Happy Memorial Day" if it were to come on a Wednesday.

I'm not against people having the BBQ's or looking forward to sales, but the sad thing about a lot of people who go around saying "Happy Memorial Day" is that these people, IMO, truly do forget the meaning of the day.

Either that, or they just plain don't care.