Confusion over Memorial Day

May 30, 2011

Comments

I keep seeing exhortations from various sources wishing a Happy Memorial Day to those who have served in the military. However, such greetings, nice as they may be, seem to miss the point of Memorial Day and, moreover, appear to confuse it with Veteran’s Day.

6 responses to “Confusion over Memorial Day”

Robert in SF

May 30, 2011 at 1:43 pm

Thank you! I had noticed this is some Facebook updates and other blogs. I am glad to see that I wasn’t the only one thinking…isn’t Memorial Day about those lost in battle? I just didn’t correct any of my friends’ well-wishes…since I am sure it could be spun as anti-troops somehow.
John Peabody

May 30, 2011 at 1:58 pm

People don’t know the difference, it’s all just lumped together. Since the end of the draft, only a tiny fraction of the US knows anything at all about the military. Just forget it. If they don’t know the difference, it sure the he’ll ain’t my job to tell ’em.
Boyd

May 30, 2011 at 2:11 pm

Fortunately, I don’t get “Happy” Memorial Day very much (I’m not sure how I’d respond if I heard that today), but when I do get well-wishes, I simply respond the lines of “Thanks, but I’m still alive. My day is in November.”
John Peabody

May 30, 2011 at 2:26 pm

Well said, sir.
Southern Hoosier

May 30, 2011 at 7:11 pm

Yep people don’t know the difference, just another 3 day federal holiday. Memorial Day is for the dead. Veterans Day is for the living
Nightrider

May 31, 2011 at 10:36 am

Also, wasn’t Memorial Day not as widely respected in the South for a long time, since it was a northern creation post Civil War? If so, I guess it is a sign of progress that most in the South have forgotten that.