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

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.

I can't recall anyone ever telling me to have a Happy Memorial Day. If they ever do, I will not like it, but will not correct the person. Memorial Day is a time of reflection for fallen comrades, but not the only day that I do this.

This is the FB status I posted the other day. It used to bother me when someone said Happy Memorial Day but I had a realization, I've got a lot to be happy about. You know what else? If my buddies were still alive, they'd be enjoying this holiday weekend and that's exactly what I plan on doing. They will be in my thoughts, just as they are every day but they wouldn't want me to sit around being sad and depressed all weekend.

I have yet to hear "Happy Memorial Day". Usually it's "have a good long weekend" which I don't really mind.

I have to consider the good intentions behind the statement. Some folks may not have the right words to express it.