Do you believe Memorial Day is more than a Three day weekend?

Sgt Joe LaBranche — Thu, 26 May 2016 22:31:53 -0400

Remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice!

Response by Maj William W. 'Bill' Price made May 26 at 2016 10:33 PM

Maj William W. 'Bill' Price — Thu, 26 May 2016 22:33:29 -0400

Yes, Sgt Joe LaBranche. I do.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 26 at 2016 10:33 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 26 May 2016 22:33:38 -0400

Memorial Day honors those who died for us to be free of tyranny Sgt Joe LaBranche

Response by SSgt Trevor Smith made May 26 at 2016 10:39 PM

SSgt Trevor Smith — Thu, 26 May 2016 22:39:01 -0400

Absolutely. It's about remembering those who came before us, and those who served with us that made the ultimate sacrifice.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 10:43 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 May 2016 22:43:04 -0400

Sgt Joe LaBranche Forget the weekend. Memorial Day is for honoring and remembering our fallen brothers and sisters. A lot of us reflect on our fallen throughout the year.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made May 26 at 2016 10:43 PM

TSgt Joe C. — Thu, 26 May 2016 22:43:21 -0400

Heroes are never forgotten! To those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we living salute in your honor! God bless and God speed!

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 26 at 2016 10:46 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 26 May 2016 22:46:37 -0400

Memorial DAY is for others. For me, Its every day when I remember, it's everytime I wake up at night, it's every time I see some fake BS tv show or movie IED and I remember, seeing, feeling, after the Noise, the silence and then hearing the screams ... That is my Memorial DAY .. Those "opportunities" do not wait for a single day of the year.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made May 26 at 2016 10:59 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Thu, 26 May 2016 22:59:04 -0400

To most people, it is a long weekend, and the beginning of summer.. Sad, but true. Memorial Day is so very much more.
We each owe a debt that we can not repay. A debt for our freedom, a debt for the right to say "No". My father served, My wife served, and I served. We still owe a debt. Each and every one of us. If you disagree, go outside and face toward Washington DC and shout that you deserve your freedom, just because...But shout really loud, because Arlington National Cemetery is a long long way from everywhere.

Response by SN Stacey Werkmeister made May 26 at 2016 11:18 PM

SN Stacey Werkmeister — Thu, 26 May 2016 23:18:45 -0400

Should be every day they are the thought about

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made May 27 at 2016 12:05 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Fri, 27 May 2016 00:05:25 -0400

Yes, it's a 4-day weekend.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 12:56 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 May 2016 00:56:50 -0400

Last year was the Memorial Day weekend that really touched deeply into my heart. At a National Cemetery the Day of Decoration then the Memorial Day Ceremony. The BBQ later was nothing compared to the prior events.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 1:03 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 May 2016 01:03:51 -0400

Unequivocally yes. It is imperative we remember and honor the sacrifice others have paid to keep us free from oppression and evil. Anyone who believes there aren't real threats to freedom should remember the Nazis and ISIS.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 2:05 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 May 2016 02:05:39 -0400

Yes indeed. Some of us (American citizens ) fail to pay respects, and think of it as just a day to BBQ and celebrate. So if you're reading this post please reflect on what Memorial day means and pay respect to our fallen Heroes that paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Response by SPC Dee Bartlett made May 27 at 2016 2:49 AM

SPC Dee Bartlett — Fri, 27 May 2016 02:49:18 -0400

Yes, there is nothing about a three-day weekend that I even associate with Memorial Day. It is one of the hardest holidays to get through.

Response by SrA Steve Susumu Monas made May 27 at 2016 4:23 AM

SrA Steve Susumu Monas — Fri, 27 May 2016 04:23:42 -0400

Absolutely

Response by SPC Kenneth Koerperich made May 27 at 2016 6:36 AM

SPC Kenneth Koerperich — Fri, 27 May 2016 06:36:47 -0400

Wouldn't know, haven't had a long weekend since I left home to join the Army. I work in a field that works 24/7/365. Somebody is always on duty, & that usually ends up being me so my hourlies get time off & I cover.

Response by PO3 David Fries made May 27 at 2016 6:42 AM

PO3 David Fries — Fri, 27 May 2016 06:42:42 -0400

I'll admit that even when I was in, it was all about the 72 or 96. Now it's all about remembering.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 27 at 2016 7:01 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 27 May 2016 07:01:16 -0400

Yes, I have several member of my family buried in different cemeteries that fought for this country, and it was their sacrifice of life that makes this country continue to be free, along with other that fought to do what was not expect of them, but what they thought was right.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 7:49 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 May 2016 07:49:33 -0400

I'm going to share what my Captain emailed out to us this morning: This I kinda long but worth the read.
From General John Logan. Grand Army of the Republic, General Order No. 11:
The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, “of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion.” What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If other eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from hishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation’s gratitude, the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.

2. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to lend its friendly aid in bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

3. Department commanders will use efforts to make this order effective.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 27 at 2016 8:10 AM

SFC Christopher Perry — Fri, 27 May 2016 08:10:45 -0400

I don't really do the big party thing on this particular weekend. For many years my father (former Navy) a great friend (a Marine during The Koean War) and I did a fishing trip together. Now that they are in poor health my family and I have carried on this tradition. So my wife, my twins (who are both Soldiers) and I will head off to the White River today for a quiet get away. We will have a beer or two and I will have time on the river to contemplate my past and those I have served with over the years. I admit that while I know men and women that have made more of a sacrifice than myself, even a couple that have made the ultimate sacrifice, it is a relatively short list. For me it is more a matter of honoring all those who have had the courage to wear the uniform throughout the history of our great country. I have no doubt that my grandfather will be in my thoughts this weekend. He served in WWII and inspired me to serve. We last him three years ago. His service cap sits right next to mine in the office. At least one of the beers I drink will be raised in his honor this coming weekend.

Response by SFC Roberto Garza Jr. made May 27 at 2016 8:52 AM

SFC Roberto Garza Jr. — Fri, 27 May 2016 08:52:28 -0400

It's not about barbecue, days off, but instead should be a reflection of those that gave their lives for our country. I unfortunately have had many friends lose their lives and we should remember and honor them not only on this day but every day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 9:50 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 May 2016 09:50:53 -0400

It's not a 3 day weekend, it's not a few days off, it's a day to remember our fallen..... Working or not, it should be seen as a day to honor those that gave all.

Response by SFC Robert Bower made May 27 at 2016 10:02 AM

SFC Robert Bower — Fri, 27 May 2016 10:02:06 -0400

Well, most civilians celebrate this weekend a different way. They aren't thinking about VETERANS. Ex military aND retirees ARE! So, I personally consider it a 3 day. Especially Monday is important. Saturday abs Sunday does not matter to me!

Response by SPC Brian Mason made May 27 at 2016 7:51 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Fri, 27 May 2016 19:51:36 -0400

Yes. While these military holidays are common for remembering and celebrating our military, there is absolutely NO reason why anyone can do so at any other time. There can be parades, parties, memorials, and celebrations at any day of the year. I would love to see more.

Response by Kyle Keough made May 28 at 2016 4:26 PM

Kyle Keough — Sat, 28 May 2016 16:26:59 -0400

people have lost sight of what this weekend and holiday really mean, you see store having sales, people having bar b ques. some of which know why they get the day off work, others oblivious. i saw an article about someone driving over a military graveyard and knocking over many grave markers. this makes me sick.