Community Chat

[Iluvlucy]

On 5/28/2014 focksie said:

On 5/28/2014 PpprMintPatty said:

My husband and I had a big discussion about this, and I have to admit, it is a little bit of a pet-peeve for us.

I could tell by my fb feed that many people think Veteran's Day and Memorial Day are the same thing. I watched a video of a reporter at the boardwalk asking people what Memorial Day was and most of them didn't have a clue. I did post something stating the difference between the two holidays.

It's just awkward, for a vet or an active duty person, to be "thanked" on Memorial Day. I understand that many don't really know what the holiday means and are doing it to show their appreciation so we are always gracious...but for us, it's awkward because we feel we don't belong in that same category as those that paid the ultimate sacrifice.

And that is who Memorial Day is for...a day to remember those that did.

I'm not peeved by this. I think it's okay to also thank those who have served, which includes those who have died in service, vets, and those who serve today. I don't see anything wrong or inappropriate with thanking or recognizing all our service people in the same breath because it's not their "designated day of the year". We should be recognizing them on any day, every day of the year. I think it's certainly nicer than those who are whooping it up at the beach, oblivious to the meaning of the day altogether.

I agree with you for the most part. It's just awkward for many of us when people say "Happy Memorial Day, thank-you for your service". I know it's because many don't know the difference between the two holidays...that's my main point.

As I said, we are always very gracious and we totally appreciate anyone that thanks us...much better than what many military went through in previous years.

But...it is okay to focus on only those that gave the ultimate sacrifice one day of the year.

[stilltamn8r]

Just as sad, in my opinion, is that so many people do not know or understand "Flag etiquette"- I was talking to a guy in his late 20's and he didn't know that the flag was never supposed to touch the ground, that it is not to be flown in bad weather, that it is NOT to be flown at night unless illuminate- that the only wat to dispose of old flags is by burning...

He actually thought I was "making it up!"....

[------]

The statement I hear repeated on the news is that Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer season. So it's, "Happy Memorial Day, it's Summer!".

[terrier3]

I try not to sweat the small stuff...

[CouponQueen]

On 5/27/2014 bathina said:

Since I was under the weather, I spent the day watching a marathon of "war" movies on TCM as well as PBS American Experience- War Letters, Nat Geo's Brothers in War and Restrepo- Afghan Outpost. Dying in war (especially senseless wars like Iraq) is no cause for celebration.

The more I watched, the more angry I got. I've come to the conclusion that the PTB in Washington who vote for military action should be required to offer up their children and grandchildren to serve first. Maybe then they'll think long and hard before sending our young men to die for causes that have nothing to do with protection of our country.

AMEN..APPLAUSE

[CouponQueen]

On 5/28/2014 Muttlvr said:

In my Mom's day, (she was born in 1919), they referred to it as "Decoration Day" when you decorated the graves of the military dead.

My Grandmother was born in that time period too and she called it Decoration Day!

[BonnieBelle]

I have never heard anyone say Happy Memorial Day.