Does it bother you when someone says "Happy Memorial Day?"

Not in the slightest. I have a hard time thinking of any other way to say it. I just about drove myself crazy with survivor guilt and sadness. Our dearly departed loved ones don't want us to dwell on the loss of their life, but would rather see us get back up on our feet and lead a happy life. No one that truly ever loved us would want us to be depressed and to fail. We owe it to them not only to move forward, but to help others along the way. Don't ever mourn my passing my brother. I'd want you to remember any and every thing I ever did that made a positive impact on your life. I want to remembered for the thing (even if it's the dumbest thing) I ever did that brought you the most laughter.

Most Americans don't even know anyone who served, much less paid the ultimate sacrifice. Maybe they had a grandfather that they never met who died in WWII. To them, Memorial Day is a free day off work that means beach season has started. To those of us who know the real meaning of the day, this may come across as insensitive, crass, or disrespectful. I am glad that my daughter doesn't understand the real meaning of the day. I am glad that most Americans have no idea what it really means, because that tells me that we are doing our jobs. Do you think there is one Iraqi or one Afghan who doesn't have a family member that died in war? Do you think in Serbia, Croatia, Somalia, or any of the other war-torn countries around the world, there is one child who hasn't been touched by war and death? Not in America. Why? Because of those that we honor on Memorial Day. I think those that have given everything for the safety and security of this country would be happy to know that most of those who we defend do not know the horrors of war and the heartbreak of a lost loved one. I sure am. I mean no disrespect to those who we have lost. I guess I just have a different way of looking at it.

It does bother me, but instead of getting upset I take the opportunity to educate the person(s) who say it to me.

I usually say "I appreciate it but Memorial Day is for those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Please save your thanks to me for Veteran's Day."

A friend said it to me. I said that its not supposed to be happy, but that I know he understands that the days means and we know its a figure of speech.

However it got me thinking a little deeper. As with the death of a loved one, the funeral is frequently followed by a celebration of life. We are sad yet happy we had the privilege to know that person. As for our military people, we are sad for those who gave their life for our freedom but after the solemn Memorial Day service we can then go to our barbecues and celebrate their heroism that give us the freedom to enjoy that bbq!

I generally say, "Have a nice Memorial Day weekend" I don't think I've ever said "Happy Memorial Day" to anyone nor do I recall anyone saying it to me. If they did I think I would just shrug it off as someone not knowing better.

We that are in the know and respect what the day truly means is all that matters. Yes, educating the BBQ crowd is a good idea but if we go about it with a chip on our shoulder, IMHO, will it make us look any better than some of these self righteous groups who clamor for other forms of acceptance.

I don't like it and I use to take offense to it ... but, anymore, I just let it go. People who know me (family, friends, etc.) know better and don't say it. Other people? They probably will never understand anyway ...

I consider the intent. 99.99 out of 100 times, the intent is good - even if the comprehension isn't. As such I say "thank you."

Last year, due to the deluge of "it's not national BBQ day" posts on FB, I gave all of my contacts a dispensation to eat all the brats and drink all the beer they could.

Personally, no. I am not offended in the least. If I were one of the persons who were lost, I would want people do celebrate my life and what I meant to them, rather than dwell on the fact that I am not around anymore.

I hate the greeting. I guess civilians do not understand and politicians use it to walk on our backs. I have lost friends and comrades in the service of this nation. This is their day! I never go any where and sit at home. I pull out the scrap book and remember the fun times and what we did as a team. Other than that, I turn off the phone, email and sit and pray for the ones that never came home. Memorial day is a day of remembrance, to be humble, and to think of our comrades who never came home.

The one thing that bother's me the most is when people approach me and thank me for my service. Now I'm not opposed to them thanking me but Memorial Day, I believe, is not for thanking service living servicemembers and veterans. It's a time to remember the sacrifices that so many made to keep this country safe and who are no longer with us. God bless them for their sacrifices and for keeping us safe.