Do you think Americans have lost the true meaning of Memorial Day?

2015-05-23T16:07:56-04:00

It seems that it has been glorified more and more by ungrateful people that Memorial Day Weekend is just another excuse to party without understanding or caring why we can.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 23 at 2015 4:17 PM

2015-05-23T16:17:58-04:00

Yes, but this is not really unique to Memorial Day. Veteran's Day is the same way. But, beyond that, all of our national holidays and observances seem to have lost their significance --- largely due to the over-commercialization of them.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 4:42 PM

2015-05-23T16:42:50-04:00

Absolutely.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made May 23 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-05-23T16:49:57-04:00

I'm 39 and I'm not sure I recall it ever being anything but a day for BBQs and air shows. My family has a strong military history but I think it was a quiet remembering that celebrated being alive too.

Response by SPC Angel Rodriguez made May 23 at 2015 4:48 PM

2015-05-23T16:48:25-04:00

They all have forgotten. Im at Hershey Pa, at a soccer tournament. On Sunday we will pay our respect at Ft Indiantown Gap National cemetery. We have been coming here for the past few years. My family and I have meet such great men and women. I will never forget. Bless them all and thank you for your service. This is such a beautiful yet sad place.
In God We Trust and God Bless America!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 4:54 PM

2015-05-23T16:54:06-04:00

I am not so sure. True life seems to go on and it seems no one cares why we have the holiday. But, everyday people have their own private times.

I at least like to think that many do dwell on the day's ,eaming during their private times.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 23 at 2015 6:46 PM

2015-05-23T18:46:21-04:00

Yes, and most holidays have. Some people view certain holidays with significance, some do not.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 6:53 PM

2015-05-23T18:53:16-04:00

I voted No, PO2 Neil Manischewitz. I'd say it's somewhere in between. Certainly anyone who has lost a loved one in service to our country gets what this special day is all about. As do most of our military and veterans (understand the meaning, I mean).

But I voted No because I just heard Garrison Keillor do a neat little "plug" for Memorial Day. He discussed its meaning. He reminded his listening audience that only a country whose young people are willing to go off and fight in its wars can expect to endure. He encouraged people to get out on Monday and to watch a parade or attend a ceremony to remember the fallen. I was impressed by it. It gave me a glimmer of hope to hear that (and doubly so because it was on NPR!).

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made May 23 at 2015 6:55 PM

2015-05-23T18:55:13-04:00

Yeah, we've turned holidays into commercialized make money days.

Response by SGT Edward Perez made May 23 at 2015 8:02 PM

2015-05-23T20:02:10-04:00

Gunny I think a whole lot of our citizens have lost sight of a whole lot of every thing this country suppose to stand for. shit i drink and i drink in remembrance but to have a full day of bbq, carnivals, and shooting the bull with people that will only remember things cause of you just being there, well the day is short lived. If a known presence was not in their sights. Brother its just another holiday on the board.
But to ALL that understand I salute you.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 24 at 2015 12:17 AM

2015-05-24T00:17:19-04:00

The holiday is joyfully "celebrated" by those who just love getting Monday off. However, most who have put on the uniform, by contrast, somberly "observe" Memorial Day.

Response by PO2 Skip Kirkwood made May 24 at 2015 9:42 AM

2015-05-24T09:42:40-04:00

It seems to me that the only ones who "remember" on Memorial Day are those who have lost friends in battle, those who have served, and their families. For all it matters to the rest of the nation, we might as well change the name to "National Barbecue Day." Or "National Put Summer Stuff on Sale Day."

Response by SGT Justin Lamb made May 24 at 2015 2:11 PM

2015-05-24T14:11:25-04:00

What better way then to remember our fallen brothers and sisters by doing it the American way? The fallen don't want to be morned they want to be remembered! Fire up the grills, Turn up the tunes, wave the flag, and toast to their ultimate sacrifice! Let's live the way they wanted us to live!

Response by CMSgt Donald ONeill made May 31 at 2021 6:57 AM

2021-05-31T06:57:04-04:00

We can blame on our education system where they have failed to teach our young students where Americans have fought and died .

Response by MSgt Donald Richards made May 31 at 2021 7:00 AM

2021-05-31T07:00:33-04:00

Response by CSM Thomas Ray made May 31 at 2021 7:04 AM

2021-05-31T07:04:05-04:00

It seems like our VP doesn’t know the meaning

Response by PFC Keith Williamson made May 31 at 2021 7:28 AM

2021-05-31T07:28:42-04:00

It's really not taught the meaning of the day, I have found that it's considered a day to respect all military past and present. A large portion of the population doesn't care, it's a day to stay home crack a beer and eat BBQ.

Response by CPO Scott Cooper made May 31 at 2021 8:22 AM

2021-05-31T08:22:27-04:00

The meaning of this holiday has become fuzzy and confusing. This holiday is to remember our fallen
and reflect on what heroic/drastic/selfless measures our brothers and sisters have taken to become the best nation on this planet. I remember Memorial Day parades when I was younger. Everyone started the Day at the parade. Veterans stood proud in their uniforms marching down Main Street. Reflecting on the memories of friends they lost while serving. A laugh, a tear, an solemn embrace with a fellow serviceman as they take the time to remember the good, as well as the bad times.
As I walk around town wearing my CG veterans hat this holiday, I’ve heard “thank you for your service” plenty of times, and “enjoy your holiday”, but it’s not my holiday. War has been an everyday event for the past twenty years plus, that the public in general, have lost the real meaning of this holiday and get it confused with the 4th of July, Veterans Day, and Armed Forces Day. The news media does maybe a half assed two minute spot about Memorial Day, then gets back to the weather. No thought, no history, they just act like it’s an excuse for a day off to cook burgers, drink, and get people to go shopping. Let’s get back into the spirit of all holidays and stop making them an excuse to go to the mall or a day off....
Just my humble opinion....
Scott Cooper, USCG (ret)

Response by SGT Greg Gold made May 31 at 2021 8:29 AM

2021-05-31T08:29:05-04:00

I think this happens because as we move forward post WWII, a smaller and smaller percentage of Americans serve in uniform. Today many Americans know nothing of sacrifice, or even volunteerism.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2021 8:52 AM

2021-05-31T08:52:47-04:00

I think that JFK's quote "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country" captured what the spirit of America once was. Unfortunately our political system has created an American society that stands with their hands out asking 'what are you going to give me/do for me today'. I feel that one of the symptoms of the current hands out illness is the low number of participation by our citizens in our military service and other helping organizations. In my opinion our ship seems to be taking on water and there are too few buckets around to bail us out.

Response by MAJ James Fitzgerald made May 31 at 2021 8:55 AM

2021-05-31T08:55:25-04:00

I do think there has been a downward spiral of Memorial Day understanding. Last evening on the local news we watched, the young broadcaster, who we like by the way, when he commented on the upcoming story on Memorial Day, his comment was, ‘for those who have served.’ Those who have served in uniform know this is not about those who served, it is about those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, some 1.4 million of our fellow citizens. I try to guide others on this day of remembrance, without being condescending or harsh, when they talk about Happy Memorial Day...I doubt that few mean any disrespect when saying this, but we who have worn the uniform, I think it is helpful if we try to steer our encounters with others on the true importance of this day we call Memorial Day. Having friends and family together is just one of the manifestations of their sacrifices, and I believe these men and women, were they here today, would be enjoying their families and friends as well.

Response by SSG Ronald Wallenberg made May 31 at 2021 9:12 AM

2021-05-31T09:12:46-04:00

In my neighborhood, talking about three blocks square, I’m the only home with our glorious Red, White, and Blue proudly waving. Actually I have three on Memorial Day, one for my father, one for my grandfather, and one for my four uncles, all Like me, Army!! One added note, when I visit fort Snelling here in Minnesota. I start crying, don’t know why, anyone else?

Response by SSG David Hall made May 31 at 2021 9:17 AM

2021-05-31T09:17:04-04:00

they don't remember what Memorial day is for.

Response by SSgt Guy Daugherty made May 31 at 2021 10:11 AM

2021-05-31T10:11:57-04:00

Yes, with idiotic comments like Happy Memorial Day".

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2021 11:21 AM

2021-05-31T11:21:17-04:00

This is a problem in the education system, and is confused even more by advertisements for cars, etc.
Time for us to remember not party.

Response by SGT Craig Hoffman made May 31 at 2021 11:28 AM

2021-05-31T11:28:39-04:00

The true meaning of Memorial DAy is known by few! Its NOT the unofficial first day of summer. It's not a day off for the beach. It's not the biggest furniture sale car sale or any other sale of the year. Believe it or not it's not a day to honor veterans. Well....in part it is. It's to honor Veterans that gave their all. There is nothing more you can give for your country than your life. These men and women are true heroes. So go out and BBQ enjoy the pool or beach. Spend time with your family. Just keep in mind that it is because of these SPECIAL veterans that we have these freedoms. Please pay attention to what's going on around us now don't let them have died in vain.

Response by MSgt Frank Hickman made May 31 at 2021 11:56 AM

2021-05-31T11:56:20-04:00

It seems in many cases true history is not being taught. Everyone should know why they enjoy the freedoms in this great country. Many have sacrificed, many have died for our freedoms. It does bother me.

Response by COL Gary Laase made May 31 at 2021 12:09 PM

2021-05-31T12:09:41-04:00

I think like many of the readers and public do not understand the holiday. It is to remember those that gave it all to protect our nation from enemies. As a dependent, first, and then a 30+ year veteran, it has not lost its meaning. My uncle served in Viet Nam and to this day is MIA. He was a Green Beret. I had is name plaque added to the USSOCOM Memorial Wall after finding that he was not listed. My father died while on active duty, not a war wound or injury but a health related service death. I truly am proud to have served and thankfully for all of those that have served or serve, even more so for those that did not come back. Prayers to all of those families of the fallen.

Response by SGT Frank Jordan made May 31 at 2021 1:49 PM

2021-05-31T13:49:11-04:00

No, because we are constantly bombarded about it, and despite our leaders thoughts and actions about veterans and the military in general, most Americans are grateful for the sacrifices made and the ultimate price given. I have absolutely no problem saying 'Happy Memorial Day', because those we have lost are in a far better place than those of us living. All military lives need to be celebrated. Memorial Day is one of those opportunities.

Response by SSgt Cynthia Hamilton made May 31 at 2021 2:45 PM

2021-05-31T14:45:57-04:00

It's all of a piece with the Civil War, where the memorial day actually was initiated by black folks. Black Lives Matter carries the load for current civil rights while the white supremacists and insurrectionists are getting confused again between facts and myth.

Response by SGT John Graham made May 31 at 2021 9:44 PM

2021-05-31T21:44:52-04:00

What makes me angrier are stores using the day to hawk mattresses and furniture. If some people only see the day as a holiday it doesn't bother me too much. If people don't learn about the meaning of the day, it's a failure of our schools and the parents. If our personal sacrifices aren't known by others; (I know my family doesn't know all what haunts me) that's ok. The horrors of war are terrible, but if others do not know these horrible memories, well that's OK. All I ask is that people learn about the day and respect the sacrifice of the Fallen and the Gold Star families, Veteran's and current military members.