Does anyone here celebrate Memorial Day for it's true purpose?

[gman2304]

to those who have lost loved ones in the defense of our country!

 

[GON]

commemorate with respect

When our now adult children were minors, on Memorial Day (when I was home), as a family we went and visited and paid our respects at gravesites to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. We didn't know the Soldiers/ Sailors/ Airmen/ Marines who gravesites we visited. I hope to do the same with our Grandsons.

 

[Passport1]

During the Gulf War I remember wounded, some dying soldiers from both sides brought to our medical facility. Still bothers me. Memorial Day is a somber reminder how much we all owe to those Americans who answered their final roll call.

 

[Malo83]

 

[Al]

I did not serve but am careful to compliment someone who wears a military cap. I am of course very aware of the meaning. But its just natural to enjoy the holiday and have fun. No harm in that.

 

[spackard]

I’m paying more attention to it. It’s the only all-hands company email I take the time to read from beginning to end, and think about.

 

[GON]

Here is a message I saw earlier that shares the author's personal thoughts of Memorial Day.

 

[vavavroom]

As an individual I don't need a holiday to be reminded of those who gave their lives for the nation. As a national holiday, Memorial Day serves a collective purpose which is to bring people together in reflection and hopefully gratitude.

 

[Snagglefoot]

A little different in Canada. We have Remembrance Day on Nov 11 but we don’t have a Memorial Day. Instead we have a long weekend one week earlier which is Victoria Day. ( Queen Victoria’s Birthday). It’s pretty irrelevant but it’s the first long weekend after a usually harsh winter. Hold my beer and watch this.

May you all have a pleasant and meaningful Memorial Day.

 

[I<3oil]

Of course. One of my buddies was killed in Iraq during our deployment.

 

[Passport1]

The final scene from Saving Private Ryan respectfully captures the meaning of Memorial Day.

 

[Bud]

I did not serve but am careful to compliment someone who wears a military cap. I am of course very aware of the meaning. But its just natural to enjoy the holiday and have fun. No harm in that.

I fought in Vietnam and the guys in my platoon were like family to me. I guarantee you that the guys we lost would have wanted you to remember them, but would want you to enjoy the day in the way of your choosing. I agree with you Al, there is no harm in enjoying the day.

 

[GON]

I fought in Vietnam and the guys in my platoon were like family to me. I guarantee you that the guys we lost would have wanted you to remember them, but would want you to enjoy the day in the way of your choosing. I agree with you Al, there is no harm in enjoying the day.

Thanks for your service to your country and very sorry of the loss of members of your platoon in Vietnam.

We all have different assessments, beliefs, and thoughts on this very somber and tragic subject.

A current example I can use is the Ulvade school shooting, that happened two years and two days ago, where 19 students and two teachers were fatally shot. I can't imagine the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, classmates, teachers, school administrators, community members wanting to memorialize the death of the 19 students and two teachers by "enjoy the day in the way of your choosing."

 

[Starman2112]

In remembrance and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation.

 

[CourierDriver]

I think of some friends that died in Nam, and dads budddies from WW2, but I go to he National Cemetery frequently thru the year, my wife is buried there...Chattanooga tn....

 

[spasm3]

We all have different assessments, beliefs, and thoughts on this very somber and tragic subject.

A current example I can use is the Ulvade school shooting, that happened two years and two days ago, where 19 students and two teachers were fatally shot. I can't imagine the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, classmates, teachers, school administrators, community members wanting to memorialize the death of the 19 students and two teachers by "enjoy the day in the way of your choosing."

While tragic, I fail to see how this relates to Memorial Day

 

[GON]

While tragic, I fail to see how this relates to Memorial Day

Different life experiences may result in different perspectives.

 

[vavavroom]

Different life experiences may result in different perspectives.

Well duh! It's easier to grieve for many than the one. Acceptance may never come. "Enjoy the day in a way of your choosing" is a reflection and a reminder of "Life goes on."

 

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

Like vavaroom said eariler , I too dont need a holiday to remind me. As a lifelong history buff (especially in WWII and wars since) I have deepest respect and thanks to all Vets. At the time, I was elated we lucked out and escaped Vietnam because they stopped the draft not very long after we had to register. Since I grew older, I have always felt some strange sort of guilt for not having served. God Bless the Veterans , all of You and deepest of Thanks.

 

[Lubener]

To me, it is a solemn day. I don't party or cook out on Memorial Day.

I have already paid my respects yesterday at the Western Reserve Veterans National cemetery in Seville Ohio. Memorial Day will be spent at the morning parade then from town square, walk to the local cemetery for a service and a 21 gun salute.

Every July, I spend an afternoon weed whacking around the Veterans headstones till I either run out of string or gas. It seems the Veterans section is always hidden in the back of the cemetery and the least maintained. I wish I could do them all.