Should Armed Forces Day be moved to the last Monday of May and Memorial Day be moved to the third Saturday of May?

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 May 2016 20:01:01 -0400

The purpose of Memorial Day is to to honor all Americans who died while in the military service. However, the purpose seems to have been lost upon many. Memorial Day is little more than "the kickoff of the summer season" to many Americans. This only exasperates the mistake that many Americans make in confusing Memorial Day with Veterans' Day. Thoughts?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2016 9:05 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 May 2016 21:05:05 -0400

Leave it as is. Memorial Day is still held by many as a "sacred day" and moving it to Saturday would also be seen as cheapening it further. If someone has it confused, politely set them straight.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2016 9:23 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 May 2016 21:23:28 -0400

My thought is that nothing one can do will stop confused people from being confused. But, change will almost always cause more confusion.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made May 20 at 2016 9:25 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Fri, 20 May 2016 21:25:24 -0400

No Sir,
Because that would just mess up those of us that DO get it right.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2016 9:58 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 May 2016 21:58:56 -0400

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member Sir, moving the days would not do anything to straighten out those civilians that are confused about the meaning. Let's leave the days as is.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made May 20 at 2016 10:40 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Fri, 20 May 2016 22:40:58 -0400

There's no reason to move any holiday. Calendars are easily found on every computer, tablet, and cell phone. Media usually announces holidays before they come up. As for the meaning it's a person's own fault for not taking a few minutes in learning the correct history, meaning, and time of said holidays.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2016 2:04 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 May 2016 02:04:59 -0400

It shouldn't matter what others think of this weekend, It is how we honor our brothers and sisters who have passed on to Valhalla. We matter to ourselves that is why we are a family. we should never let a day go by where we don't keep in contact with each other.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made May 21 at 2016 11:51 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Sat, 21 May 2016 11:51:21 -0400

Originally called Decoration Day this was/is a day set aside to honor military dead, originally, Civil War, but now all who have died while serving. Like all holidays, American marketing has overshadowed the true meaning of it, think Christmas, Easter, etc.. There really isn't any historical specific day associated with Memorial Day but it is a designated National Holiday and years ago these holidays were mandated to be celebrated on Mondays. Since no specific date, don't change, but celebrate as any National Holiday. You will never overcome the marketing blitz that equates start of summer with Memorial Day, same way as Thanksgiving has become the day to start Black Friday shopping. Those who understand meanings of holidays will continue to honor them, the uninformed masses will continue to follow the marketing hype.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 1:10 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 01:10:14 -0400

Decoration Day was created to honor war dead, yes. When it was changed to Memorial Day, however, it was not limited to those who died while serving. It has always included persons who served in our Armed Forces who are now deceased.

Response by Sgt William Graham made Sep 23 at 2021 8:10 AM

Sgt William Graham — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 08:10:46 -0400

Why, cover the focus of those who served