Memorial Day Ediquette

[GMDino]

(05-28-2017, 12:08 PM)bfine32 Wrote: I thought I would inquire as to people's thoughts on this Holiday.

As a retired Service Member I am/was conflicted when someone does/did come up to me and single me out to wish me a happy Memorial Day. Words cannot express how much I am thankful that they take the time to do so; but another side understands that this day is intended to Honor the Fallen in Combat (I do believe it has recently been extend to First Responders who have given their lives in the line of duty and rightly so).

I actually know some service members who get offended when you wish them a Happy Memorial Day as some go as far as to feel guilty that they are living while another is not. So my suggestion is if you want to recognize an active service member on this day I suggest: "My thoughts are with your fallen fellow service members on this  day." Of course feel free to go with Happy Memorial Day, but understand many are not Happy on this day.

Now on Veterans Day, celebrate the ones that remain.

I had shared a reminder on the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans day on Facebook and the wife of a retired serviceman responded that he always simply replies thank you.  Although knowing him I wouldn't be surprised if he (more than) occasionally continues on to explain the difference if given the chance.

I'll leave it as if they don't know the difference in the days at least they took the time to say thank you to a veteran.