This is what I had to tell a nice neighbor today. I hated to put it so bluntly but it’s not what we do on Memorial Day. This family gathers together and some or most of us place flowers or flags or both on memorials and graves for veterans in two states . We reflect on veterans lost and we don’t do celebrations. We just don’t.
I understand that some people like to get together and have a few glasses of wine and swim but to me Memorial Day is set aside for those lost in battle and from the injuries of war. To me, it would be hypocritical to attend a festivity of such a solemn day, much less host one.
I have never understood the hype of the white sheet and the car sales. I have never understood the opening of summer with the holiday weekend of Memorial Day. To me it is like dancing at a funeral. It for me, is inappropriate and we should just have a Holiday called Summer Celebration and keep Memories of our fallen separate. Not do the party on Memorial Day. My small group in two states spend the weekend gathering flowers or flags and spend the time visiting those who have made the ultimate sacrifice either in battle or because of battle.
We were invited by a neighbor to host a BBQ and I swallowed hard as this was a vet but had not been in combat or war or lost anyone close to anyone who served. I explained as nice as I could, no thank you. We don’t do festitivies on Memorial Day as it goes against everything I have ever believed on this solemn occasion. The deal was, they wanted to have a BBQ here on Memorial Day and I said, “ Well no. This is not Veterans Day and even though you wanted to celebrate the holiday here with food and things, it is not what we do. “ This is a very hard time for many widows, orphans and combat veterans.
I felt strongly especially this Memorial Day, as I lost one of my best friends Christmas after battling PTSD and exposure to agent orange.
I wish people would know the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Happy Memorial Day is not appropriate. Please know many combat vets appreciate, “ Thinking of you this Memorial Day or remembering your loss this memorial day but I know few combat vets who like the term “ Happy Memorial Day”. It is not a happy time for most. I am not saying it is wrong to BBQ but to make a party out of such a holiday just seems wrong.
It’s not about party. It’s not about selling cars at a discount and it’s not about the grand opening of summer. It’s about remembering those who gave their lives.
Our family wishes to Remembe those who served and lost friends and family this 2018 to all who read this. May you know you are in thoughts and gratitude from some who really do honor those who are no longer here. “Peace”.
