As Memorial Day weekend rolls around, my husband tends to get more anxious than usual. It isn’t a good anxious though. As a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, 0311, he has fought for you and me in Iraq and has witness things that we probably can’t even imagine, nor have I even been told about. Memorial Day has a completely different meaning to him than picnics with family and friends, store sales and traffic jams. Don’t tell my veteran husband to have a happy Memorial Day because he isn’t happy about it.
He follows the original meaning: to remember those who have died in service for the United States of America. Now is that very happy?
Those who we remember on Memorial Day lost their lives so that people like you and I could live free. These men and women were sons and daughters, possibly mothers and fathers or brothers and sisters. They are likely people who lived down the street from you (whether you lived there or not, who knows), shopped at the same grocery store as you and possibly went to the same movie theaters as you. And because they lost their lives, you think it is a time to be happy and celebrate while eating hot dogs and hamburgers?
Instead of wearing red, white and blue apparel, how about you go back to the roots of Memorial Day and wear red poppies. You could also decorate a veteran’s grave – flowers and flags will do – since Memorial Day was initial Decoration Day. Don’t know a veteran? I am sure there is some kind of memorial in your area that honors our military, country or those who have died for your freedom. Visit that and learn its history. If that is too much of a downer for you, I suppose you could attend a local parade since again, people just love to celebrate Memorial Day. At least you are taking the time out of your day to wave to the veterans in the parade and reflect upon the reasons why the parade is taking place.
But please, don’t wish anyone a happy Memorial Day, especially my veteran husband. More than likely you don’t know their past, if they are in the military, are a veteran, have had family and friends die fighting for our freedom or currently have someone overseas in the midst of war.
Memorial Day is not a day to be happy and celebrate but a day to remember. Thank those who serve our country on Veterans Day and honor those who we have lost along the way on Memorial Day.
I understand where you are coming from and apologize for any hurt feelings you have experienced or others. I have tried to teach my children to always thank those that serve anytime they see them. I will be more courteous in the future.
ReplyDeleteThanking them is fine actually. It is the have a "happy" Memorial Day that really gets both of us since it is not a happy holiday. :)
DeleteTotally understand! I don't think people really think about it, they usually just think of the day as a reason to celebrate, have fun and party. It's really sad, more people need to give thanks. - Jeanine
ReplyDeleteYea...a day of a work, yippie! But most don't even know why they are getting that day off of work.
DeleteI completely get it. People these days do not think about the true meaning behind things anymore. When we stop and consider what someone else might have gone through, and what something might mean to them such as memorial day, we can learn to truly appreciate what they think and feel.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bubby's Mommy. You get it! :)
Deletenow a days there are many people who just dont care about these things.I understand you totally.
ReplyDeleteExactly! They don't care about a lot of things, so I am sure this is even lower on the totem pole to learn about.
DeleteIt's right, it's a day to honor these men and the sacrifices they made for our country. I definitely understand where you're coming from and I am thankful to each and everyone of them, including your husband.
ReplyDelete:) Thank you for your comment!
DeleteI'm former military, just retired last year and TBH I don't care when others say "Happy Memorial Day". To me they're saying that they're thankful that they're free, because of the sacrifices we made.
ReplyDeleteBut don't you agree that it isn't a "happy" holiday? We may be a bit more sensitive to this because he literally gets told 100+ times over the weekend since he is a small business owner, but he struggles with it since it is not happy for him.
DeleteI am sorry that you are sensitive towards this salutation. I can see your point of view.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI can definitely see your point of view. I'm tired of people posting their "Memorial Day Looks," or their picnic photos. My husband and I go to the cemetery to pay respects to our relatives who have fought in various wars. THAT is what the day is about. Remembrance.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you do this. I am going to take the kids on a stroll through the local cemetery later today.
DeleteI love the backstory to this article. It's so heartfelt and it really explains the meaning of the holiday, which so many people seem to forget.
ReplyDeletethank you!!
DeleteI salute your husband and those who have been part of why people are celebrating memorial day. Many people don't know the meaning of memorial day.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!
DeleteI feel sorry for the lost of other people. Your husband is so brave. Thanks for everyone who fought so we have a memorial day to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteHe is so brave <3 That is really the only way I could describe his service to my 3 year old because she couldn't understand why some people died but he didn't.
DeleteI cry when the vets walk out at the parade. Always and without fail.
ReplyDeleteI am sure I would've too. I sometimes get teary when I hear the national anthem...hormones <3 America
DeleteWhile my ex-husband was in the Army, that was still 6 years of our life together, I've always taught my kids the difference. It's sad people don't know the difference. I love this post!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, still a long time together and a long time of living that life. No matter if you were married to the military or not, I think it is great that you taught your kids the difference.
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