Q Talk

[LilacTree]

Jake Tapper of CNN said it best this afternoon.

He said "Have a meaningful Memorial Day."

[Kkins]

I agree...it seems that many people forget the difference between the observations of Memorial Day (in remembrance and honoring those in the military that gave their lives during their service) and Veterans Day (honoring those who served).  So I think say happy is inappropriate to Memorial Day.    It is odd that it is celebrated with cookouts as well.  

[this is my nic]

Memorial Day was once known as Decoration Day because it was the day for graves to be decorated.  Also, it was always held on May 30th, no matter what day of the week it fell on.  Everything closed!  I remember going to the cemetary where my grandparents were buried.  All the graves were manicured and 99% had flowers.  I thought it was such a beautiful place.  Very few people worked except for essential workers such as law enforcement, hospital staff, etc.  Today, most everything is open.  Another beautiful tradition gone. 

[Sooner]

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@blackhole99 wrote:

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@walkingal wrote:

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@QVCkitty1 wrote:

Many of us also visit the graves of our loved ones who have passed. I just hate it when these days are used to make a sale or advertise hot dogs. 

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Memorial Day has been commercialized, and it's been made to be the "official start of Summer."  That's probably how many people don't realize that it is the day when our nation honors those who have fallen.  

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That is a cop out or maybe people are just stupid and uncaring. The least people can do is know what the holiday is about. That Merry Christmas explantion is a cop out too. Not all people are Christians, but if you were born and educated  in this country you should know what the deal is. 

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The point is not a cop out or people aren't stupid because they have different ideas than you do.  Many of us know what the holiday is about but celebrate differently and are thankful and joyful that we live in a free country where many were willing to make the sacrifice to serve their country to preserve our way of life.  

Doesn't make it wrong, it makes it different.  To call it a cop out or call people stupid is totally uncalled for.  

[CalminHeart]

I understand the OP's position.  I also have a son who is currently active duty (returned last week from his 4th deployment).  My dad and brother also served. They and I don't mind "happy" because we know people are really just trying to remember.  The appropriate words don't always come easy.  But the thought is there.

It's a lot like Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays.  I really don't care what people say to me because they are being kind when saying it.  I work with the public and prefer to say Happy Holidays to honor all of the 12 or more holidays around the end of the year.  

A little tolerance and compassion go a long ways in today's divisive environment.

[BalletBabe]

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@JDo wrote:

PLEASE tell hosts to stop saying Happy Memorial Day!  It’s a reverent day to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving our county! They could say” please take a

moment this weekend to honor those brave military women and men  who died for our country.”

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@JDo   My son has been serving for the last 25 years and he said it don't bother him if he is wished a Happy Memorial Day.   Most people celebrate because they have a day off and looking forward to cooking out.   Thanking our Military for serving is a great thing, but I see nothing wrong with wishing someone a Happy Memoria Day.  My husband also served.  

[ChanelNanny]

Veteran's Day is to pay tribute to all the Veterans.....MEMORIAL DAY is to honor all those who gave their lives for our freedom....saying happy prior to it seems a bit inappropriate. Please just remember why the day is significant and give THANKS!

[hatetoiron]

Personally I hate hearing the word happy associated with Memorial Day.

I lost my 19 year old brother serving in Viet Nam and after all this time the hurt is still there.  I guess it just depends how you look at it.

I am thankful to all the men and women who have given their all and have sacrificed so much to serve their country.  I stand and salute you.

God Bless Everyone of You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jubilant]

Since this topic comes up every year, I asked DH how he felt about it.  He is a DAV from the Viet Nam war. He saw much death.  

His words: "I wouldn't want it to be a sad Memorial Day".  Those that died gave us a gift....freedom.  That gift should be celebrated even though there is mourning.