Memorial Day Remembrance - Thank You.

[Candace]

Veterans and those who are currently in Active Duty - Thank you for your service.

At the risk of life and limb, you put all on the line to protect your nation and we thank you for that.
We thank you for the sacrifices you and your family have made.

 

[Candace]

@Grilled, you're a vet right?

 

[namerav]

Happy Memorial Day

 

[N-A]

@Grilled, you're a vet right?

I am as well. But, I realize that there's a difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military — in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served — not only those who died — have sacrificed and done their duty.

Source: The Washington Post

 

[Candace]

Thanks @David Walker. I (and probably most people) just look for the opportunity to thank all because we realize the importance of your service, but thanks for clearing that up.

 

[S-B]

I am as well. But, I realize that there's a difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

Source: The Washington Post

THIS.

It's time to pause and remember those who have fallen for the freedom we enjoy every single day.

 

[N-A]

Thanks @David Walker. I (and probably most people) just look for the opportunity to thank all because we realize the importance of your service, but thanks for clearing that up.

Thanks, and something I just sent @Acroplex when he wished me a happy Memorial Day as well:

I only deserve one [day a year: Veterans Day] right now; but, you won’t see me complain when it comes time for Memorial Day sales.

 

[Grilled]

@Grilled, you're a vet right?

I am, and thank you for remembering. I have to imagine there are many vets lingering throughout NP. Just about anywhere you go, including the internet, it is my opinion that there is always a vet near by. These vets not only hold civilians accountable, but they also hold other veterans accountable.

I am as well. But, I realize that there's a difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Source: The Washington Post

Thank you for clarifying the difference so the focus today can remain on those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

I didn't know you were also a veteran, @David Walker Thank you to you and those you served with for the military service. IDK how you take military appreciation complements, but personally, whenever thanked for my service, I consider myself part of a bigger picture, and that thank you isn't necessarily directed towards me, but to all who served.

THIS.

It's time to pause and remember those who have fallen for the freedom we enjoy every single day.

Agreed. For those who may not have had their immediate life affected by the loss of a fallen military member, asking them to remember somebody they never met everyday can be difficult for some. Memorial day is a day meant for all to remember those who died during service, as this may not directly affect ones daily life, it indirectly affects ones freedom.

 

[S-B]

I am, and thank you for remembering. I have to imagine there are many vets lingering throughout NP. Just about anywhere you go, including the internet, it is my opinion that there is always a vet near by. These vets not only hold civilians accountable, but they also hold other veterans accountable.

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I didn't know you were also a veteran, @David Walker Thank you to you and those you served with for the military service. IDK how you take military appreciation complements, but personally, whenever thanked for my service, I consider myself part of a bigger picture, and that thank you isn't necessarily directed towards me, but to all who served.



Agreed. For those who may not have had their immediate life affected by the loss of a fallen military member, asking them to remember somebody they never met everyday can be difficult for some. Memorial day is a day meant for all to remember those who died during service, as this may not directly affect ones daily life, it indirectly affects ones freedom.

Show attachment 31690

Can't believe we shared a meal and I didn't find out you were a fellow Vet. What branch?

 

[Grilled]

Can't believe we shared a meal and I didn't find out you were a fellow Vet. What branch?

Likewise. I thought we discussed this, but I don't recall you mentioning you served as well. I served the majority of my Army career as a commo guy for an EOD unit.

What branch were you? It makes since that you would be one. You have values that suggest the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Not necessarily a military value per say, just a phrase that I think resembles soldiers and their efforts to a greater cause.

 

[S-B]

Likewise. I thought we discussed this, but I don't recall you mentioning you served as well. I served the majority of my Army career as a commo guy for an EOD unit.

I was Army as well.



Don't want to go off topic too much though.

 

[iowadawg]

But there is nothing "Happy" about Memorial Day. It is a day for reflection, honoring and acknowledging that not only are we at 'war', but men and women are dying in war.

ANd this is a good read about why HAPPY is not a word to use today:
Montini: It’s Memorial Day so … Merry Christmas
http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/ej-montini/2016/05/30/montini-memorial-day/85121460/

 

[Candace]

Thank You @iowadawg. I am not a natural born US Citizen, I was naturalized so forgive me that I did not recognize the difference.

I am just thankful for the service of all past and present Military personnel, alive or not. The service of both has lead to a life of freedom and happiness for many.

A mentor of mine once said, 'give me flowers while I'm living, not after I'm gone'. I think it is important to remember those who have sacrificed their lives. But I still think that people say 'Happy Memorial Day' in an attempt to give the living 'flowers' even as they remember those who've gone on.

Misguided as it may be, I hope you realize that our hearts are in the right place.

 

[Grilled]

But there is nothing "Happy" about Memorial Day. It is a day for reflection, honoring and acknowledging that not only are we at 'war', but men and women are dying in war.

ANd this is a good read about why HAPPY is not a word to use today:
Montini: It’s Memorial Day so … Merry Christmas
http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/ej-montini/2016/05/30/montini-memorial-day/85121460/

Thank you @iowadawg for the article, and your opinion of the use of Happy + Memorial Day. I respect what you shared, and know others feel the same. Some veterans are insulted when they see people happy solely because it's a national holiday, while the holiday to them, means remembering a fallen comrade in sadness.

Because the military is a tough job, there's a lot of mental strength that comes during and after service. Not all had the same military experience, and some leave not as mentally strong as they were when they first joined. We all have our coping mechanisms, and I tend to believe that it's easier to remember somebody in happiness than sorrow. My Facebook feed is full of pictures of fallen veterans. I see some veterans compounded by sadness as a day like this truly reminds them of horrifying experiences. It's veterans, and families, like these that need the positive vibes, and "happiness" the most during these memorials.

​

The above post is from a fellow veteran who had a tougher military career than me. We grew up together in Hawaii. He joined the military a few months after me. I feel in part responsible for him joining because I recruited him when I was on Xmas leave. Though, he says he joined because it was something he long considered, and my experience only helped validate what he already knew.

I'm not saying my fellow veteran is not mentally strong. I'm just saying, he's been through a lot, and I'd rather see him out remembering these fallen hero's at a BBQ in a happier environment, then what could come from isolating and remember alone. Nearly every military member has lost a comrade at some time or another. The military knows that despite their troubles, memorial day is a day to remember those who lost their life protecting our freedom.

 

[deez007]

Up until I was about 10 or 11 years old I was baffled about why the U.S. made such a big deal about Vet's
I didn't understand why animal doctors got their own holidays and were so well respected in the U.S. - It was only when I asked a Vet howcome he never decided to move to the U.S. considering how well respected the profession was over there....lol he sat me down and explained what the difference between an Army Vet was and a Veterinarian. - Things made ALOT more sense after that.

Much respect to you all...

 

[Varon]

Salute and respect to all our brave men and women in uniform. Thank you for keeping us safe and making America great. God bless America.

 

[GoKaizen]

http://encyclopedia.densho.org/442nd_Regimental_Combat_Team/