Memorial Day is for Remembering

Friday, May 28, 2010
I'm a fan of Memorial Day here in the U.S., so I'm going to shamelessly steal the words of a former shippie of mine, who is currently serving as the Command Master Chief at Naval Station, Norfolk:
While some may view Memorial Day as a summer holiday, the fact is this weekend is dedicated to our war dead. PLEASE take a moment to remember why we have this holiday.
Thanks for the reminder, Master Chief. I do remember, and continue to be grateful for those still in uniform.


Happy Memorial Day, to all those who live in freedom because of those who were willing to sacrifice everything to ensure it.

7 comments:

Warner (aka ntsc) said...

It became less important when it was moved from the 30th to Monday.

Janiece said...

Warner, I don't think it became less important - it just became easier to ignore the true meaning of the day.

Which is most unfortunate.

Jeri said...

Janiece, thanks for sharing that video. Stupid eye allergies, made my eyes run.

I'm grateful too.

PS - almost commented as Zach. You would have figured that out, I think. LOL

Warner (aka ntsc) said...

Yes, closer to what you said. Memorial Day was not a 3 day shopping event when/where I grew up.

Janiece said...

Jeri, I don't know how my allergens ended up in the Seattle area. That's one serious wind.

Warner, I agree. I seem to recall placing flags at Ft. Logan Cemetery one year, alongside the Boy Scouts, although it was a Monday then.

Anne C. said...

I would disagree about it becoming something less by moving it to create a three day weekend. At least this way, it's almost sure to be celebrated, leading to this conversation:
Do you know why you get Monday off?
Uh... it's the beginning of sum-
WHACK!
It's Memorial Day, doofus. Now get your flag out and give thanks!

The alternative is this:
Hey, do you know what day it is?
Uh... Wednesday? Hump Day? How long is it until the weeken-
WHACK!
It's Veterans' Day, doofus. Why in the hell can you never remember that? November 11th!

nzforme said...

My neighbor sent me what was probably a chain email with various political cartoons about Memorial Day being about rather more than having a barbecue.

I was surprised, only because we aren't particularly close friends. We just wave at each other when we see each other in the driveway.

But I did think it was cool that I'd moved in next door to people who (at least) take a moment to remember what Memorial Day is about -- and aren't afraid to remind the people around them, either.