"Happy" Memorial Day?

[Immy]

I was at a restaurant yesterday and the young hostess was greeting people at the door with a very cheery "Happy Memorial Day Weekend!" followed with questions like "Are you having fun?" like it was the 4th of July or something. Okay, it's a three-day weekend but there's a somber aspect to the holiday that is lost on some. This weekend I'm remembering my late Dad who was in the Korean War.

Is it out of place to gently remind these well-meaning but clueless people what this holiday is really about?

[Real de Tayopa Tropical Tramp]

NO, my friend, it is not, but they will never understand.

Don Jose de La Mancha

[savant365]

Unfortunately it has been commercialized just like Christmas. It's all about the first day at the lake and cook outs now, this is the first time I will be visiting my Dads grave on Memorial day. It has an entirely different meaning for me now.

[spartacus53]

Sometimes I wonder, am I the only one who sees things in a slightly different way in this forum
I don't see anything wrong in what she said. I have yet to hear anyone, and that would probably include yourself in saying, "Have a solemn Memorial Day." I am curious, what to you say to someone in regards to Memorial Day

I have always said, "Have a happy Memorial Day." I normally would follow that up with enjoy the weekend too. I also noticed that many were out today and didn't reply to this message until 3 hours later. I wonder if most people weren't out enjoying themselves too.

Let's take the time to see others perspectives when it comes to this weekend. Yes, it is a somber, and solemn "day", but least we forget those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could enjoy this weekend and reflect on the reasons we have it.

I was always raised to value life and take time to mourn those that have past, nothing wrong there as far as I can see. Grandfather, father, mother and recently nephew have served this country. (Nephew also had 3 combat tours until his release this past March) I also know for a fact that my nephew will be enjoying the weekend with exception for a part of Monday, where he will reflect too.

Keep in mind this is the reason they serve, to protect your lifestyle and freedoms.

So, Have a happy Memorial Day, and enjoy your freedoms." Remember, no one here is made from a cookie cutter and that's what makes our nation great.

[Immy]

She certainly has the right to say any kind of greeting she wants. I wasn't attempting to muzzle her good will. Lord knows we need more of that these days.

Was just curious whether anyone felt it was out of place to remind her what the holiday really represents. Some people genuinely don't know.

[spartacus53]

Was just curious whether anyone felt it was out of place to remind her what the holiday really represents. Some people genuinely don't know.

I don't think you need to remind anyone, unless you feel so inclined. Who knows how many in her family have served, and perhaps lost their life. People celebrate in different ways, so it's not always a party either.

Tee that's how we did it in the Bronx too, but with more people. After your reflecting on the day, you would have some sort of outing to celebrate the day in a happy way. There is no wrong in being happy and feeling good.

[pat-tekker-cat]

Well intentioned ppl, try to mean the best. And unknowingly wish a happy day, without realizing, the only reason the day could be happy, is because someone, many, all, gave their life, for it to be so.
They mean well, but may have not been touched, as many are.

I can never say Happy, it always:
"It's Memorial Day".

Texastee, we had the conversation. I'll stand tall, to honor those, with dignity and poise.
But my tear ducts, don't obey anyone! I think the sentiments are too deeply felt, by those it touches, that mere words, fail and pale.

Thank you all for your service. Those words don't even come close, to touching the sentiments.
Thank you all!

[hammered]

We have "Rememberence Day", initially for those lost in the 1st World War, but now for all fallen soldiers etc. I would rather remember them in a happy way than be sad. Maybe I have misunderstood the initial feeling of this post, but I think spartacus got it right.


hammered

[Ray S S]

Hello, Immy, I am sure she was being polite and courteous to you as a stranger and
customer. It is even possible that she could have a particular family member or two
that she could be thinking about as Memorial Day approaches. But in meeting several
people all day (All strangers) she would have to be pleasant and receive a pleasant
response or by the end of the day she could be pretty distressed.

I respect the memory you have of your father and his service to our great country.

My grandfather, father, and My older brothers (By my father's first marriage) also all
fought in wars.

Wishing you a good day.

Ray

[spartacus53]

Sometimes I wonder, am I the only one who sees things in a slightly different way in this forum
I don't see anything wrong in what she said. I have yet to hear anyone, and that would probably include yourself in saying, "Have a solemn Memorial Day." I am curious, what to you say to someone in regards to Memorial Day

I find it humorous, that I posed the question above and yet only one person took the time to reply.

I am really curious as to what you say to people over this Memorial Day weekend What should one say when you mention this holiday, or they mention it to you? Do you lecture everyone on what you believe should be the correct thing to say? If you have something that is short and to the point, it may catch on. You may remember "Festivous" on Sienfield, right?

I have given my response and the reasoning behind it; so I would love to hear an opposing viewpoint. If it makes sense, I would consider it in the future.

[ivan salis]

the term "holiday" was originally --holy day --a day of no labor -- to rest and worship god*, and spend some "quality" time with family

over time folks just got to thinking of it as a "care free - laborers day off -- party time event " ie a holiday --rather than as a --"holy day"

[spartacus53]

Ivan, I understand the definition of the word holiday. My question, still unanswered for the most part, is.... How do you greet someone over this holiday? I for one would like to know the correct terminology and may use it going forward. If there is anyone that does know it, please post it for people like me.

I'll await a reply, until then I'll be

[DigginThePast]

Ivan, I understand the definition of the word holiday. My question, still unanswered for the most part, is.... How do you greet someone over this holiday? I for one would like to know the correct terminology and may use it going forward. If there is anyone that does know it, please post it for people like me.

I'll await a reply, until then I'll be

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.p...,404469.0.html

[WindHarvester]

Put over 300 American Flags on graves of those lost yesterday and tomorrow we have a big parade in town and we take the trailer and haul Veterans that can't walk well anymore.

To us it is a nice time to remember those who served and those who are serving and also stress the fact to our Son and Daughter which will be handing out American Flags in the Parade.

[ivan salis]

I hope you have a happy - holiday_ please remember the sacrifice made by those that make this day possible.

[pat-tekker-cat]

Ivan, I understand the definition of the word holiday. My question, still unanswered for the most part, is.... How do you greet someone over this holiday? I for one would like to know the correct terminology and may use it going forward. If there is anyone that does know it, please post it for people like me.

I'll await a reply, until then I'll be

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.p...,404469.0.html

Perfect and priceless! Thank you!

[Ray S S]

This used to be called 'Decoration Day' because of decorating the graves of the fallen. Then
it was changed to Memorial day.

[spartacus53]

Ray, that's not the only holiday name change, one changed 3 times. It went from Remembrance Day, to Armistice Day, and today it's Veteran's Day.

[deepskyal]

On the news, they refer to Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial kick-off to summer. No mention of the vets that died for this country.
Memorial day is for the fallen, not the living. We have Veteran's Day for those of us that still live. And we don't get a day off from work for it...at least my company doesn't.

Frankly, I don't say anything to anyone about the weekend. I've heard people say have a nice weekend without the reference to "Happy" but I'm happy to have 2 days off work...I had to work Saturday.

Like so many other holidays or events, the meaning gets lost the further from the origination we get. As the oldtimers die off, nobody cares to instill the true meaning of our history. Sad.

Remember the fallen for we would not be what we are nor would we have what we do if it were not for them.

Al

[pat-tekker-cat]

Memorial day is for the fallen, not the living. We have Veteran's Day for those of us that still live.

As the oldtimers die off, nobody cares to instill the true meaning of our history. Sad.

Remember the fallen for we would not be what we are nor would we have what we do if it were not for them.

Trust me Al, not all have forgotten, or remain silent on the subject.
For them, and them alone!