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

Folks mean well. They just don’t understand as a smaller percentage of Americans have or will serve in the military.

When some one says happy memorial day and thank you for your service....I tell them I appreciate it but if you truly wish to thank someone, please go to The Bushnell National Cemetery and thank those who this holiday is for.

I have 13 family members that have served including me and 1 brother still serving. It's easy remembering my heroes but what is hardest to watch and the new generation dye their hair knee on the American flag take up socialism. Cold Era vet and Dersert storm my mom and dad served in and during the Vietnam War and Korean War Era. My grandfather WW1 my God father survived Omaha Beach. A great uncle that served in WW2 served 25 missions as a tail gunner. And many patriotic hero with no capes just doing their job to keep old glory flying! God bless

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.

Not so much. I know it comes from well-intentioned people who don’t understand or have not been taught better. I may say something if it’s an appropriate time and if I know the person well. It’s difficult for those who haven’t placed a buddy in a body bag to understand that we who have look on this as a day to remember and reflect. No reason to get upset with them. Simply thank them and move on.

It doesn't offend me. I believe that we could coin another representative greeting for the mournful day. But, my friends only mean well. The most frequent greeting that I get now days is, "thanks for your service". I like that better myself.

Not at all. I believe that most people who say this have good intentions. Whether or not they understand the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans, I think they just may not know what to say, but they want to acknowledge the day. I just say "thank you."

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.