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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Absolutely

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.