WWTBAM Bored

I realize that most people don't think of Memorial Day now as anything other than a three-day weekend marking the unofficial start of summer. But, I've always been a bit put off by the use of the phrase "Happy Memorial Day" in the same way we say "Happy Thanksgiving" and "Happy New Year."

Unlike other holidays, which celebrate joyous events of one sort or another, Memorial Day is a day to pay tribute to those, like my own father and uncle, who paid the ultimate price in service of their country. It's a day to honor them, and somehow the use of the word "happy" to describe it is inappropriate. When I think of the fact that I never really knew either my father or my namesake uncle, I wouldn't use the word happy to describe that. It's like going to the funeral of an acquaintance and wishing everyone there a "Happy Funeral Day."

I am very proud of my father and uncle's service, and of the similar sacrifices made by thousands of other Americans over the years, but when I think about it, this year and every year, I just wish there was some other way to describe the thoughts at this holiday other than a routine "happy" greeting.

silverscreenselect wrote:I realize that most people don't think of Memorial Day now as anything other than a three-day weekend marking the unofficial start of summer. But, I've always been a bit put off by the use of the phrase "Happy Memorial Day" in the same way we say "Happy Thanksgiving" and "Happy New Year."

Unlike other holidays, which celebrate joyous events of one sort or another, Memorial Day is a day to pay tribute to those, like my own father and uncle, who paid the ultimate price in service of their country. It's a day to honor them, and somehow the use of the word "happy" to describe it is inappropriate. When I think of the fact that I never really knew either my father or my namesake uncle, I wouldn't use the word happy to describe that. It's like going to the funeral of an acquaintance and wishing everyone there a "Happy Funeral Day."

I am very proud of my father and uncle's service, and of the similar sacrifices made by thousands of other Americans over the years, but when I think about it, this year and every year, I just wish there was some other way to describe the thoughts at this holiday other than a routine "happy" greeting.

Our soldiers died to protect our freedoms, including the right to enjoy our holidays. I don't think they would have it any other way...

So please, SSS, pay your respects and then have a Happy Memorial Day. Have some BBQ for me since I'll be sleeping...

lb13

My wife and I drove 30 miles into the country to Hempstead, TX (about halfway from my house to where Skippy lives). We met the woman who organizes the town parade a few weeks back so we decided to attend. It was a good affair. The town square was decorated with flags, there was a gazebo in the center where the band and dignitaries sat after the parade and during the ceremony.

The guest of honor was a WWII veteran who was at D-day and the Battle of the Bulge. After the Star Spangle Banner they read the names of all of Waller County's fallen soldiers, by war or campaign, starting with WWII. There were about 35 or 40. The county population is around 51,000.

They handed out free flags and served free hot dogs.

I felt I had traveled back in time to Willoughby.

For the 15 or 20 years before we moved, I always attended our county Memorial Day ceremonies at the courthouse where we read the roll of all the people from our county who had died in service to our country. After that ceremony, I would go to my father's grave and put up a small American flag. ( he was a decorated WWII veteran) SInce we moved to the Mississippi Gulf Cost two years ago, I have been volunteering at the Biloxi National Cemetery (with 20,000 veterans interred) by helping to place American flags on each grave. It makes you remember what our veterans have sacrificed for our freedom and I am glad for that reminder.