How do you feel about people saying Happy Memorial Day ?

Sgt Jaime Lima — Sun, 25 May 2014 17:43:20 -0400

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 6:00 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 May 2014 18:00:43 -0400

I wonder if they truly know what it means. I do not want to go up to someone and say happy remembrance of all those who died for you day. I really think this holiday has become more of a holiday like Christmas where the true meaning is demonstrated in a small way but is really about family get togethers. It has lost its meaning as a whole and that is why people say Happy Memorial Day. They want you to have a good day with the family BBQing. While being around family is always important for healing, reflecting, celebrating the freedoms we have, and celebrating those who laid down their lives so that he could do that the phrase is not appropriate in my opinion.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 7:54 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 May 2014 19:54:34 -0400

I heard something in my car this morning that I found captured the intended sentiment better:

"Honor Memorial Day"

While it is not an exact encapsulation of the actual intent of the holiday, it definitely points out the fact that many are missing the point. I wish I could remember who it was that stated this.

In my mind, it seems as though this helps people readdress what the holiday is about.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 8:30 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 May 2014 20:30:09 -0400

I absolutely get what you’re saying. Just today someone, a dear friend who has never served, wished me a Happy Memorial Day, and I was struck with the irony. But it’s how we, as a society, acknowledge our holidays. Merry Christmas, Happy Easter, Happy Fourth of July, Happy New Year, Happy Chanukah, Happy Birthday. Should we chastise them for not knowing a better way to express their appreciation for our fallen comrades, or take it with the same professionalism and solemnity we show when someone thanks us for our service?

It’s not a happy holiday. Is it really a sad one? We honor those that went before us on Memorial Day. We should remember them not with melancholy, but with celebration. I’ve lost only one friend to enemy action. Just one. Will I spend tomorrow crying over his death, or smiling that my friend was in my life for the short time we knew each other?

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”
George S. Patton

Response by Sgt Geoffrey Kamp made May 26 at 2014 11:50 AM

Sgt Geoffrey Kamp — Mon, 26 May 2014 11:50:11 -0400

I missed a call from my mother today, she called to tell me about a now hiring sign she saw in Indianapolis while she was out and about. At the end of the message she said:
"Thinking of you on Memorial Day"
This is a day of bittersweet remembrance for lot of us. My mother understands my emotions because I've told her about them. It is impossible to recant to someone who has never served what Memorial Day actually means. For most it is a day of lighting up the BBQ and spending time in the great outdoors. For me this is the ultimate tribute to sacrifice. A nation takes the day off of work to truly enjoy all this nation has to offer. They forget about worries and strife and revel in the company of friends and family. I love my brothers that didn't make it home, I always will. I celebrate their lives just as they did, with cold beer, good company, and great food.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2014 3:42 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 15:42:57 -0400

Does it bother anyone else to be thanked on Memorial Day? I did not think much of it, until this year, when many people who knew I was a veteran said thank you for you for your service. I politely reminded them that this day is for those who did not come home. Those were the service members they should thank. That they should take some time during this holiday to go to a grave site of any KIA and thank them or find a family who has lost a service member and thank them. It seems ridiculous I guess, but as a veteran I have my day, Veterans Day, and I think it soils the memory of those who gave their all for me to be thanked on their day. I actually feel almost ashamed to have someone thank me on Memorial Day. Anyone else feel that way?

Response by Cpl Joshua Sochanek made Dec 15 at 2014 7:45 PM

Cpl Joshua Sochanek — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 19:45:26 -0500

Like others have said, the true meaning of Memorial Day has been shrouded by a fog of ignorance and nearly forgotten by the average person. Knowing that most do not understand the true meaning of the day does bother me; however, I do not associate the phrase "Happy Memorial Day" with any disrespect. Having personally known individuals who have died near me over seas, I spend a portion of the day reflecting on that sadness of their loss; however, I spend the majority of the day focusing on the happiness, laughter, and good moments that I was able to spend with them. Memorial Day to me is a day of honoring those lost by remembering the good times that we spent with them and using that positive energy to help keep us on track through our own lives. Therefore, when I hear someone say "Happy Memorial Day", although I truly wish that they could understand that the day is not just about a grill, I do know that they cannot possibly understand the full meaning behind the holiday and I do embrace their positive intention. Never forget what the day is truly about, but also do not allow yourself to be buried by the common ignorance or by the sorrow of those that did not come home. Rather, remember the good times you were able to spend with them and help other veterans to also focus on the good memories of their lost buddies.

Response by SSG Eric M Hersh made May 21 at 2015 6:53 PM

SSG Eric M Hersh — Thu, 21 May 2015 18:53:08 -0400

THE MEMORIAL IS FOR THE DEAD TO BE REMEMBERED. U MUST DO YOUR JOB IN THE MILITARY U ALL KNOW HOW TO SHOT AND WITH A LITTLE PRACTICE. ITS EASY ONCE U GET USED TO THE TYPE OF WEAPON, WEATHER AND U CAN COUNT ON YOUR BUDDIES BECAUSE MAYBE ONE OF THEM MIGHT NEED U. IN A WAR ZONE WHAT DO GRUNTS DO,THEY DESERVE RESPECT THE DEAD AND THE ONES SEE THAT LIFE THRU HELL. MAY U NEVER RUN OUT OF FOOD,AMMO,SHOWER AND DOWN TIME HAPPY MEMORY DAY TO ALL THAT ARE SERVING,IN THE GUARD,MARINES, NAVY, EVEN THE COAST GUARD THE UNITED STATES ARMY. PLUS ALL THE COMPANIES THAT SUPPORT THE MILITARY FORCES FOOD,AMMO, FIRST AID SUPPLIES AND THE DOGS U ALL HAVE TO HELP U OUT WHEN U NEED THEM

I WISH ALL MILITARY HAVE A GOOD MEMORIAL SSG 6 ERIC HERSH DAY WERE EVER U MIGHT BE

MIGHT BE

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 21 at 2015 7:27 PM

SFC Stephen King — Thu, 21 May 2015 19:27:54 -0400

http://allenbwest.com/2014/05/proper-greeting-memorial-day/

This is a good answer to look at

What is the proper greeting for Memorial Day? - Allen B. West - AllenBWest.com

It is a day of honor.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 7:43 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 19:43:49 -0400

For me I just nod my head and keep walking, Its not a day that I look forward to with happy thoughts each year... Its a day that I think of the friends and family that I have lost and those who I could not bring home...

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 7:59 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 19:59:22 -0400

Weird, because it's not a happy day. It is odd how we are prone to say "Happy Whatever Day." I don't think people mean anything by it, I think they're just not "getting" the concept of Memorial Day, Sgt Jaime Lima. Memorial Day greetings to you.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 8:02 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 20:02:43 -0400

It just isn't a right greeting for remembering those who died in the service of our country.

Response by PO3 David Fries made May 26 at 2015 6:21 AM

PO3 David Fries — Tue, 26 May 2015 06:21:35 -0400

It's hard to find the right words to begin Memorial Day with. Happy obviously doesn't cover it.

Response by SPC James McCullough made Jan 12 at 2024 11:33 AM

SPC James McCullough — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 11:33:11 -0500

We owe it to our fallen comrades to express to those that might say something such as “Happy Memorial Day” that this is not exactly appropriate for this day. In doing so one would be encouraged to go about this in such a way that they were being kind, gentle and courteous while at the same time making a statement and leaving an impression that the individual making this error would not soon forget.