WE DO NOT SAY HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY.
I REPEAT- WE DO NOT SAY HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!
Memorial Day is not a happy day. It is a day to remember those who lost their lives in military service. Every single one of those people who lost their lives had people who loved them. They had parents. They have friends. Maybe they also had siblings. Maybe a spouse. Maybe cousins. Someone – maybe a lot of someones- loved them and mourned their loss.
Saying Happy Memorial Day is a slap in the face to each and every one of those folks who passed AND to all of their loved ones.
There is a different holiday called Veterans Day. It’s celebrated November 11th every year. THAT is the day to celebrate all of the veterans. Including my dad who was in Vietnam.
There is yet another different holiday called Armed Forces Day. It’s celebrated on the third Saturday in May. In 2024 it was on May 18th. THAT is the day to celebrate folks currently in the military. Including my nephew Luke who is currently in basic training in Georgia.
If you want to thank a current or former member of the military you can of course do that any day you like. Many think we don’t do this anywhere near enough. You can even thank them today!
Just don’t say “Happy Memorial Day”.