In Remembrance of Those Who Gave All

I'm with you, William. It's a solemn day, and as we picnic/camp/play, let's not forget the great debt we owe to many.

William-Very well said. It is a day for remembering all of our heroes and it is NEVER easy to lose a loved one.

Good morning William. I agree with you and was always challenged by this phrase too.  To give everything is not happy. Suggested.

We have a beautiful sunny day in Maryland for the multiple Memorial Day programs that will be taking place.

Have an outstanding week.

William, I never thought about it, but you're right. It is a strange combination of words, isn't it? God bless our troops!

Yes, William. To me it's not a Day of Celebration, but a Solemn for Remembrance of all our Fallen Service Members.

        Many people will enjoy this long Memorial Day weekend.   However, it is imperative that we pause and take time to remember the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives to keep our nation free.    

I think many of us are grateful for the sacrifices and happy that we live in a free country, which those sacrifices have made possible. You can be deeply indebted and honor those who have given their lives, yet feel happily blessed, as those who gave their lives for our country would probably want us to feel.

William - you are right.  Rather than happy it is greatful and thank you.

William, rather than trot out the same thought I'll just say Amen to Elizabeth's comment!

William- I have to admit that I have wished some I see a Happy Memorial Day but have felt guilty every time I said it. I do remember and honor the fallen. 

I don't understand using "happy" either -- it's really not what the day is all about.

William well said and what a telling photo....the only thing we can be happy is that we are still here and have all our freedom!, Endre

A worthy "pause" is never regretted...This subject is everywhere you go if you are an American...We fought for the right and some paid full price...thank you

William That is a nice post!  It is a sobering Holiday, but I for one believe that we celebrate the gift that those who gave us their all have given us, while remembering the cost of that gift!

Good Morning, William:  A good point- similar to one I make a ton of times in trying my best to be appreciative of the legions of well-intentioned folks who express kind words on this holiday and others, despite their near-absolute ignorance to the holidays' tone and tenor.

I mentioned in my post for Memorial Day that all if us veterans gave some, but we pause on Memorial Day to specifically honor those who have fallen while serving.  A quick guide of sorts for folks might go a little like this:

Memorial Day- day to honor those who died while serving

Veterans Day- day to honor those who have served

Armed Forces Day- day to honor those who have served and/or those currently serving

A bit funny:  I got an email from a friend of mine (again, well-intentioned) the other day, and he was wishing me a happy Memorial Day.  I responded back to him with a bit of humor, though- saying "You're wishing ME a happy Memorial Day?  My time in the Navy afforded me a number of opportunities for which I'll be forever thankful- and when I left the Navy I was surely changed from the way I was when I joined.  My time in the Navy didn't leave ms dead, though- so Memorial Day isn't for me".

You are so correct William.  Maybe at one time memorial day meant something more? I remember as a kid it meant we visited my Grandfather's grave to place a flag, flowers and to pray. Maybe we need more praying and less partying. ;-) Thank you for the reminder.