Memorial Day Doesn’t Need To Be Treated As A National Military Funeral

TSGT Strup-- I agree with you. Saying "Happy Memorial Day" is distasteful. While I agree that not all memories are bad or sad, but Memorial Day is a day of reverent remembrance to those who served this great nation before us, those who paved the way to our continued, privileged freedoms..

I used to be one of those "don't thank me" types... not just for this day, but every day, but that's beside the point. I always see the messages crop up around this time, reminders about which day is celebrating which military affiliation. Yet it always seems lost on the civvies, as you invariably draw a "thank you" if you have anything that shows your military affiliation on this day.

I used to shy away from any of those thank yous. Today, I'll respond with a "you're welcome", because I've come to learn that the people offering them don't mean it in an ill manner or out of ignorance. They aren't disrespecting those that the day is supposed to honor. They are offering a heartfelt thank you because, on this day, they are simply reminded of the sacrifice we did make at that moment we first raised our hands and swore the oath. And offering that thank you to someone standing before them that can respond is, in its own way, paying respect to those that made the ultimate sacrifice. So when they say thank you for your service, it isn't a thank you to me personally. And I offer them a response for those that no longer can respond.

At least, that's how I view it.

As to the "Happy Memorial Day", yeah... I despise that phrase. Someone says it to me, they get a nod and a "To the fallen."

I would not consider receiving the phrase "Happy Memorial Day" to a Veteran as poor taste. This is a statement made by people who do not truly understand what this day represents. There heart is in the right place and they mean not harm.