Do you feel Happy Memorial Day is appropriate to say?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 May 2021 17:36:00 -0400

I was told Happy Memorial today and I really didn’t know what to say but, “enjoy your weekend also”. Do you guys feel that telling veterans Happy Memorial Day is an appropriate response to the holiday ?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2021 6:13 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 May 2021 18:13:29 -0400

1SG Private RallyPoint Member I personally do not, but I do not correct folks. I will tell folks to have a safe weekend. I normally attend Memorial Day events at Fort Vancouver except for this year and last year. Memorial Day is year round as I often think of my Father (WWII, Korea, Uncles (WWII) and buddies lost (Vietnam).

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2021 6:29 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 May 2021 18:29:44 -0400

I'm not going to be sad all weekend just because it's the designated day to remember the fallen.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made May 28 at 2021 6:48 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Fri, 28 May 2021 18:48:35 -0400

It has happened for years, doesn't bother me. I had a sister who used to call me every Veterans day and Memorial day. I always told her I wasn't dead yet. They mean no harm. Just let it pass.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2021 9:00 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 May 2021 21:00:45 -0400

If it’s someone close to me, I speak to them and educate them on what the day is truly for. If it’s a stranger, I simply accept the comment, thank them and move on. They are attempting to be respectful after all, they simply just aren’t educated on the topic.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 28 at 2021 11:04 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 28 May 2021 23:04:42 -0400

Happy Memorial Day. Nope. Nothing happy about it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2021 1:39 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 May 2021 01:39:22 -0400

I usually respond with remember the fallen. I don't get mad at people that say it, or who go out and have fun on their three day weekend. I want our brothers and sisters to be remembered, but part of their sacrifice is so Americans can live free. If that freedom means a three day hot dog fueled kegger followed by new car shopping, that's on them.

Ultimately they don't mean any harm they just don't know. If it's someone close, take the time to teach them. For the rest, remember the fallen and drive on.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made May 29 at 2021 11:56 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Sat, 29 May 2021 11:56:48 -0400

I think you honor the intent behind it. Is it the most appropriate/skillful utterance ever? Nope. Is the intent to be positive & supportive? I think so. I would reply "thank you", as that is what I was taught to do when someone TRIES to do something good.

I think we generally give ourselves a black eye when we attempt to "educate" or "elevate" people who are trying to be kind. Especially if our education sounds condescending or like a lecture.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made May 15 at 2022 9:23 PM

LTC Jason Strickland — Sun, 15 May 2022 21:23:42 -0400

Good discussion, 1SG Private RallyPoint Member. I like what SPC Private RallyPoint Member wrote below: "Remember the fallen."