Memorial Day – It’s Important To Know The Difference
(image AI generated off Facebook)
Memorial Day. There is nothing happy about it, yet every year, the verbal cheers constantly yell out “Happy Memorial Day.” Now I realize that for many, today is all about picnics, and if you are from the northeast where I am originally from, the annual pilgramage to “the shore” (in New Jersey). For some, it is the official beginning of being allowed to wear white. It is unfortunate that these things are tied to a most sacred day for our country, especially when the entire weekend is considered “Memorial Day weekend,” you have two other days that you can say “ready, set, go” doing all these things. But today, should be separate, and honored.
Always recognized on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the military, often having made the ultimate sacrifice during combat. Okay, do you see now why going to the beach and partying does not really represent what today is all about?
I guess I am showing my age. And you will see why, here it comes…
When I was a kid (I warned you, geezer alert), we had a tradition in our little town every Memorial Day. There would be a small parade through town, ending up at a memorial park, where a service was held to honor our local service men and women, concluding with a 21-gun salute. Throughout the memorial, former service members and volunteers, would go through the crowd, handing out hand-made poppies as a reminder of what the day was about.
(image courtesy of the Tuscaloosa News)
At the conclusion of the service, we went home. Now while many head to the shore, my memories of this date, were of overcast skies, and dampness. Through April and May, we normally had a lot of heat alreasdy and sunny skies, but somehow on this day, the weather always fit the mood.
It is likely that all service members who have passed, long after service, are included with memorial services, and I don’t have any issue with that. They gave of themselves to protect our rights and freedoms. I personally have not lost anyone in wartime, though both my grandfathers served (one in WW1, the other Korea), an uncle who served in Vietnam and a nephew who served in the middle east. All came home. And in my adult life, I have had many friends who have served this country, and I am grateful.
And we have other dates that we acknowledge our service members in this manner. It was always important to me that I made sure that my daughters knew the difference. This first one is a big one.
Veterans Day, on November 11th, we honor ALL military veterans, alive and deceased, who have served in the arm forces.
Then there is Armed Forces Day. You probably did not notice it, as the date recently passed, the third Saturday of the month, which would have been the 16th of May, we should have been celebrating the men and women currently serving in all branches of the military. But I do not recall seeing any news or tv commercial sales.
I know I am showing my age, being such a stickler for this respect for our service members. But if you are someone who is going to ride the patriotism bus, you keep your arms, legs, and head inside the bus, and ride it the right way. Otherwise, don’t pretend it to be a big deal and just go eat your hot dogs and enjoy the beach.
Paul's Heart 