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

There are much more important things to get uptight about. Growing up an Army brat with a dad and brother in Vietnam and serving in the Vietnam Era (though I didn't go, too young) I remember being called a "Baby Killer." So, it's an improvement and I try to look at the sentiments. as SFC Mark Merino has said, what else is one supposed to say?

I remember going with my grandparents to the Memorial Day ceremonies where my grandmother would be honored as a "Gold Star Mother. Then we would cross the River to Jefferson Barracks Cemetery outside St Louis and lay a wreath on my uncle's grave before going to eat in silence; my grandparents with tears in their eyes as they remembered the little boy they raised to be sent to a foreign land to be killed before he ever had a chance to live.

I remember the guys I knew who came over for Sunday dinner at our house who went to Nam and didn't come back; there were guys I served with who were killed both in combat and line of duty (the six troopers killed in Gallant Eagle 82 - I jumped right behind two of them and worked with a third). The "Gallant Eagle Six" didn't die in combat, but they and others who died training for war are just as dead as those I knew who were killed in combat. Their faces come to me. I am grateful the civilians who wish me a "Happy Memorial Day" may not have faces that visit them in the night or in quiet moments. Maybe, as I think about it, when they wish me a "Happy Memorial Day" or thank me for my service - they are really thanking them.

But "they" are not here. I'm honored and humbled to stand in for them.

I was declared dead at least three times (or so I'm told; I remember hearing medics declare me dead once) on March 30, 1982 - Gallant Eagle 82. We fooled them all by my coming back and serving another five years. I wonder half-jokingly if this day is for me, too even though I didn't "stay dead."

I hear all the complaining about folks partying on this day. But, if I had stayed dead I'd like to think that I wouldn't want folks to spend the whole day in mourning for me. I would rather folks think of me, tell a funny story about me, and enjoy the day off the blood of our fallen paid for.

I don't get wrapped around the axe handle on this one. I kind of understand that most civilians don't really know any better. When it gets to the point that I see too much focus on the wrong thing, I politely speak up and say, " I really appreciate what you are trying to say or do, but hey, let's remember what this day really represents. It's for those who are no longer with us, they paid the full price so that you would remain free."
There are those people in our society that honestly believe that this is just a Federally Mandated Picnic Day and nothing more. They don't even have enough class to get it even partially wrong! I am highly disturbed at the amount of ignorance AND APATHY displayed in our country when it relates to this hallowed day. It would not surprise me in the least if some of these same people would have the audacity to try to find something sinister or illegal in everything we do.
Signed,
A warrior whose heart is fixed on America

What bothers me (mildly) is the wrong use of the euphemistic terms used for describing those lost in war, and especially in combat. Yes, "they gave all" is okay. So is "they gave the last full measure of devotion." BUT, since the time of Lincoln, the correct phrase is "supreme sacrifice," and "ultimate" is only used when saying "they paid the ultimate price." So, yes, that bugs me a bit when people get it wrong.

I truly mourn our comrades who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. From that, the word "happy" is unfeeling and inappropriate. Our generation lost many troops since Korea and I feel the day should be filled with prayers rather than boisterous gatherings.

When I look at my rack I quickly get into the memorialzation of those having earned the awards and much more. Losing a Veteran relative gives meaning in the holiday.

l truly feel we are obligated to insure that they are not forgotten, our charge whenever speaking in public or one on one is to tell there story. Many are forgotten except for sons, daughters, husbands wives and sisters and brothers. I think of the wives and families on Memorial Day, they probably suffered and continue to suffer most from the unknown. God bless and keep you all. Be encouraged.

Many of the True heros never came home! We all have wondered at one time or another, why them and not me?

Yeah, it bothers me, but people don't know what else to say. They're happy to have a 3-day weekend to buy a mattress, float the river, and BBQ. In my youth, Decoration Day (May 28) was an occasion to visit the graves of those fathers, sons, and brothers who died in the war.

It tells me that the person doesn't understand the history of the Day. It bothers me that there is a lack of education, and people are trying to be good, but miss the mark. What bothers my more is the mass of commercial advertising based on a holiday without a thought about the loss of life being acknowledged.

I find it odd to hear … I’ve been dealing w/ loss/death since I was 8 yrs. old and I know it’s a social norm to put “Happy” in front of days for remembrance/celebratory days … yet for me, it’s off putting.

I understand why people say it, I don’t say it. Yet, when a stranger says it to me as a veteran, I just say “thank you”.

#respect #remembrance #allthatserved

Hearing "Happy Memorial Day" is like hearing...
"Sorry to hear your baby died. Do you want your cigar back "?