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

It used to bother me to hear it said. I now ask them to say to have a safe Memorial Day and be happy that these Americans that gave the ultimate sacrifice allowed you to enjoy life and celebrate the American way. When they come to me and thank me for my service on Memorial Day I am honored but I explain that it is not my day it is for those that are departed and gave all to serve this nation. I tell them any other day is mine especially Veteran's Day. A little education to those who don't know because of the history that was taken from them in school.

Speaking for myself, this is an unfathomable concept. This is about the ultimate oxymoron. When non-military people say it to me, I tell them that there is no such thing as a "Happy Memorial Day". I am an 11Bravo, that went through and somehow survived TET, in southern I Corp. I just figure these are civilians or Troops that never got to far outside of the 'wire'. After eleven and one half months in the 'bush', all of the blood, gorp, swollen, dismembered, maggot infested corpses left me with lasting feelings about this matter. I will not type about the details of our KIAs. In closing for me there is no such thing. When offered this wish, I simply respond that I will have the best Memorial Day that I can. My response could continue for several more pages, buy you get the idea of where my mine is.

MSgt M. Risner USAF Ret
When I hear these words on Memorial Day, I usually says thanks and go on. Trying to explain something like the true meaning of the day to the general public every time is pretty much wasted. Unfortunately, most people will understand what you're saying, but they will never look at it the same way those who served do. Why should we expect them to? In a perfect world, but I am just thankful that there are quite a few people out there that care enough to thank us in any way. I went 16 or so yrs. in the AF before I ever heard, "Thank you for your service." So any recognition for all of us veterans is a good thing. I never thought about it or asked for it, but it was nice to hear it when it started happening. Do I take advantage of military discounts, etc.? I sure do and I don't feel guilty about it. We should embrace all of what the public recognition has to offer. It may end as quickly as it started. Who knows? What I do know is that accepting recognition (the more sincere the better) is always a good thing. We (vets) all know what the real meaning is regardless.

Memorial day is an opportunity to celebrate the life of someone who passed in service. You're not obligated to be a depressed Debbie Downer. The celebration of someone's life should be a happy occasion, stop peeing on people's happiness.

I don't know if this will help anyone but I have always remembered the fallen and had a more solemn morning as the flag is at half staff and then celebrated them the rest of the day after I go to full staff. Gives me both mental spaces in the same day. Just what I do to deal with the losses of family and friends.

It doesn't bother me at all. I always return it with thank you, Happy Memorial Day. I think most citizens appreciate the military and this is a way of showing it. Friday a guy at work thanked me for my service and said he never served but his brothers are in the Army. I didn't get mad and I don't think a nice gesture is a reason to be rude. Vietnam gave us a look at the alternative with the negative attitude towards war.

Yes, when first heard it does bother me. But at the same time, I know the intent behind their words is pure. My typical response when I hear, or am told "Happy Memorial Day" is as follows; "It's a day of remembrance for the fallen, not for me. But I do thank you"

Yes yes it does. Especially considering it reminds of my fallen friends there is nothing hapy about this day.. I do feel however that it is not the average citizens fault for thinking this. This day unfortunately like all the others has fallen victim to marketing and media

No it doesn't, although I'll admit to pausing just a bit when it was said twice to me this weekend.

The first encounter came from a coworker, a wonderful person who every Veteran's Day goes out of her way to thank each vet she knows. This weekend, she sent pics of all the flags my company had placed around our world HQ (which was fantastic) and said this was for me ... it took me a bit as to how to respond and I ended up thanking her and asking for a few moments for those who've died in the service of this country.

The 2nd was a college friend of my daughter's who surprised me with a loud "Happy Memorial Day"!. I simply thanked her too.

In the end, I'm happy that most of the people I interact with are at least aware that this isn't just another day off and seem to have some understanding of its significance, if not the specific reason behind it.

It does bother me a bit. Enough so that I will instruct the person whom said it on what the Holiday means to a Veteran and I will always suggest that if they KNOW you are a veteran a simple "On this day I thank You for your service" will do. No one has ever become mad or flustered. Many people are appreciative of the fact I corrected their approach.

For me, it is a solemn day. I thankfully have only two graves to visit from lives lost during a conflict. Then both grandfathers' graves as they served in WWII. I still have an Uncle living from the Korean War. Or was that a "conflict" too? I get to see him in 3 weeks and as a veteran he will share another story with me about the incredible cold and the tactics of the North Koreans and the Chicoms. He was indeed part of the "Frozen Chosun".

Unfortunately, both of Terry's parent have passed away and mine are the only flowers. Dickie however, still has both parents and they never fail to "decorate" his grave.

"Happy" is used for celebratory days. Memorial day is for remembering and paying respects to those passed and living. Our church has attendance of roughly 250 but the membership roles show 206. Either way there are only 10 of us that go onstage at church when the minister calls for all veterans to come forward. Of that number, 6 are WWII vets, 3 are Nam vets (including me) and 1 is currently fulfilling a 3 year ARMY enlistment at Ft. Knox.

At this very moment I have 30 or more people in my backyard for Memorial Day. At dark we will form a circle, hold hands and we will take turns saying prayers.