Is it appropriate to say "Happy Memorial Day"?

Post by **Hilary the Touched** » Mon May 26, 2008 12:13 pm

Well.
I'm sure dead veterans didn't go off to war to ensure that people would spend a day moping meaningfully--seems far more likely to me that they were fighting to help preserve traditions like opening outdoor pools and enjoying barbecues on your own private property.
My thanks and a moment of contemplation for everyone who's ever agreed to take up arms to defend their nation, and here's hoping we someday move beyond the need.

kjshd05 · Post by **kjshd05** » Mon May 26, 2008 2:33 pm

Amen Hilary, and thanx for mentioning this day of reflection
and honor to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice...who gave their all

Post by **Gillian** » Mon May 26, 2008 4:57 pm

Beautifully put, Hils.

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

grannybear · Post by **grannybear** » Mon May 26, 2008 5:44 pm

DITTO!!! Same for me.

Soule · Post by **Soule** » Mon May 26, 2008 5:51 pm

Happy Memorial Day!

Is memorial Day the equivalent to our Rememberence Day in November? It sounds as if it may be.

Do you do anything for the occasion? Over here we have veterans, and organisations such as scouts marching through the streets, they normally march to the local monuments that have the soldiers names that lost their lives in war. Veterans and important people in the community lay poppy reeves.

Foodie · Post by **Foodie** » Mon May 26, 2008 7:42 pm

Is memorial Day the equivalent to our Rememberence Day in November?

I think the concepts are pretty much the same. A day to remember those who gave their lives in the military service, and fought in wars, etc. If I am thinking correctly though, Remembrance Day is specific to World War One, that's why they have the poppies, because it refers to that poem "In Flanders Field" and is in November when that war ended, it's around the time of our Veteran's Day or maybe on the same day. I think Memorial Day is a little more general and not tied to any specific war. I could be wrong though.

Yes, to any and all who have ever served in the armed forces, whether they saw war or didn't, we owe so very much to you. I could never be brave enough to do it, so thank you for having such courage.

-Foodie

Chari910 · Post by **Chari910** » Tue May 27, 2008 3:20 am

My family and I visited the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor yesterday.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21006923@N02/2523907770/" title="HPIM0770 by chari910, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2081/252 ... f918_b.jpg" width="1024" height="770" alt="HPIM0770"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21006923@N02/2527602216/" title="HPIM0784 by chari910, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/252 ... 8a80_b.jpg" width="1024" height="770" alt="HPIM0784"></a>

In the shrine where 1177 names of the perished servicemen were listed.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21006923@N02/2526772991/" title="Ko Olina 062 by chari910, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/252 ... 35bb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="Ko Olina 062"></a>

Any navy ships passing the Arizona Memorial will have their crew up on deck 'Manning the rails' to pay respect.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21006923@N02/2526783101/" title="HPIM0777 by chari910, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2201/252 ... beb2_b.jpg" width="1024" height="770" alt="HPIM0777"></a>

We also went on board USS Missouri where the peace agreement was signed when Japan surrendered, marking the end of WW2.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21006923@N02/2526775397/" title="Ko Olina 097 by chari910, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/252 ... a475_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="Ko Olina 097"></a>

We took a formal tour with a guide and it was very interesting.

kjshd05 · Post by **kjshd05** » Tue May 27, 2008 6:30 am

thank you Char for these fotos...I would never get 2C otherwise...
really cool that the passing ships are "Manning the rails"...

Soule · Post by **Soule** » Tue May 27, 2008 10:46 am

Just to clarify, Rememberence Day, was originally WW1 and 2, but has now been extended to all wars.

The Poppy reference is regarding the poem and is symbollic for the blood shed but is not just about WW 1.

Foodie wrote:
Is memorial Day the equivalent to our Rememberence Day in November?
I think the concepts are pretty much the same. A day to remember those who gave their lives in the military service, and fought in wars, etc. If I am thinking correctly though, Remembrance Day is specific to World War One, that's why they have the poppies, because it refers to that poem "In Flanders Field" and is in November when that war ended, it's around the time of our Veteran's Day or maybe on the same day. I think Memorial Day is a little more general and not tied to any specific war. I could be wrong though.

Yes, to any and all who have ever served in the armed forces, whether they saw war or didn't, we owe so very much to you. I could never be brave enough to do it, so thank you for having such courage.

-Foodie

Marie · Post by **Marie** » Tue May 27, 2008 4:50 pm

It is a very moving site. A must see if you go to Hawaii.

Helen8 · Post by **Helen8** » Tue May 27, 2008 8:47 pm

I was there several years ago. It's very sobering.