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

I like you use to get angry,specially when it came from someone that should know what Memorial Day really is. Then someone close to me (My dad, former Marine) called to wish me a Happy Memorial Day,I had my own outburst, this is my dad he should know! He explained to me that it's through us that the memories of our fallen live and through us there is comfort in being able to say those words! After that I realized what he meant, I had a friend that is a fallen hero and I can't say to him how proud I am of his service but through those that still walk beside me I can and I feel I'm talking through them to him and all the others that where before and after.

No, it doesn't bother me. What bothers me is telling people what to say or think. There seems to be a lot of that going around lately. My personal efforts are better spent by educating the youth of America as to the true meaning. I am involved with a Young Marines unit and we participate in Memorial Day honors every year. I also encourage people to lead by example and others see what it is all about and that is what sticks. Trying to "control" other folks thoughts and speech just goes against my grain.

I just stay away from people on Memorial Day. This year I spent it in the woods.

Yes, as many prepare for backyard BBQ's and fun with friends and family, let's not forget the true meaning of Memorial Day. It's not to recognize Veterans, that is done on Veterans Day November 11th. We do appreciate the acknowledgement. The true meaning is to give honor and recognition to those who have made the supreme sacrifice in defense of this land we all love. Everyone who has ever put on a uniform and raised their hand and swore to protect and defend this country against all enemies foreign and domestic took a chance that they would not survive. These brave men and women entombed in National Cemeteries nationwide such as Arlington National Cemetary made that sacrifice. To them I say a humble and heartfelt thank you.

Memorial Day. The holiday set aside for for us to remember those who "gave the last full measure of devotion" in the service of their country. In almost 100 years of service for my immediate family we have been fortunate to serve without having to make that ultimate sacrifice. This is not true of my direct family though, I lost a cousin, James Oates, who was washed overboard off a troop transport in the Pacific at the end of World War II. I personally dedicate this weekend to him and all of the men and women that paid the price that we shall remain free. Sometime this weekend, please take time to reflect, pray for, or raise a glass to toast to those no longer with us to enjoy our fortunes. Below is the last part of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Nobody before or since has spoke of this sacrifice any more eloquently.

CSM Joe Payne USA Retired

The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

Not at all. I've spent the last week posting things on my social media sites explaining the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. I've also been asking my friends not to tell veterans thank you, and why, for the last week.

It's simply a case of ignorance. If they aren't educated to know the appropriate responses to the appropriate holidays, then how can they give them? As long as you're not rude about it, have at.

It's kind of annoying. Mostly because it doesn't take much looking into to understand the difference between Veteran's day and Memorial Day. I appreciate the thought, but any amount of ignorance is annoying.

nope...not at all...people just dont understand it....

reminds me of the line from "blackhawk down" where Hoot is talking to eversman...

" When I go home people'll ask me, "Hey Hoot, why do you do it man? What, you some kinda war junkie?" You know what I'll say? I won't say a goddamn word. Why? They won't understand. They won't understand why we do it. They won't understand that it's about the men next to you, and that's it. That's all it is. "

I can't say I hate it but it is quite annoying. The ordinary citizen does not understand the difference just like I can't understand the the difference between the colors off-white and egg-shell. Kinda like a liberal knowing the difference between a M4 and a AK-47. Their knowledge is very limited unless they are directly involved. They mean well but just need to be educated. Our school system will not do it, many no longer recite the Pledge of allegiance.

I realize you posted this six years ago, but came on here today to ask the same question. I can’t think of another way to say it. Yes, Memorial Day is about those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. It’s also about our duty to honor them and celebrate their lives, and the lives of our brothers and sisters in arms that paid the ultimate sacrifice. In celebrating their lives, maybe we have a BBQ or get together with friends and family. People should have a good time and should have a “happy Memorial Day.” Perhaps we should look at it like “have a happy Memorial Day” as apposed to “happy Memorial Day.” It’s important to pay tribute and remember the reason behind the holiday though.