I just left Facebook in disgust, overwhelmed by the high percentage of posters that simply do not understand the difference in these two Federal holidays. Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember those that gave (lost) their life, in the service of this country. It is a somber day, we honor our fallen warriors…. Some send out a blanket “Happy Memorial Day” to friends and family. Are you serious? Will you go to a loved ones funeral and say, “Have a wonderful, happy day today”? It’s basically the same, it is not an excuse to drink and party and light fireworks for kids to squeal at… it is, as I said, a somber day to remember and honor all those brave service men and women whose lives were lost in and for the service of their country.
Then we have Veteran’s Day – in November, folks – a day set aside to honor and give thanks to every single service men and women that honorably serve(d) this country; this holiday pays respect to living and dead soldiers.
Of course, I believe honor and respect should be given to all living beings every day; however, could we at least attempt to understand the meanings behind these two different days that honor service people? Lisa Respers France wrote an article, published in 2015, that explains the difference… Get it Straight: The difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Please, educate yourselves, people. Stop wishing me a Happy Memorial Day. I’m fortunate to only have lost one single friend while he was serving; this is my day to honor him and remember him and wonder what wonderful things he might have accomplished – had he not died in the final days of the Vietnam War.
I am so outtie….