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Memorial Day Weekend Thoughts

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Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster Real Estate VA License # 0225089470

Memorial Day Weekend Thoughts

When most people think of Memorial Day Weekend, they think of the long weekend that marks the unofficial beginning of summer.  Many weddings are planned around this weekend for that reason.  My Mom and Dad got married on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend in 1968.  There was always reason to celebrate around this weekend in our family.  However, the reason for the holiday is lost in plans people make to enjoy three days off in a row.

I'm seeing wishes on Facebook for a "Happy Memorial Day."  (cringe)   This isn't a holiday that is celebrated with glee.  It's a holiday you observe remembrance and appreciation for those that gave their lives while serving this country in the military.  

That's not to say you can't enjoy a three day weekend, or shouldn't have a cook out with family and friends.  When you are doing so, you might not want to tie it to having a "Happy Memorial Day."  You could be offending someone that still have a hole in their families from a military servicemember that never came home.

Believe me, I'm not a fan of politically correct.   This is a matter of simple respect.  The reason for the holiday marks an actual loss for someone you may or may not know.  Someone who gave their lives defending our country.  Just something to think about before reaching out to your friends and family on social media this weekend.  There are plenty of appropriate graphics that are a simple show of respect, while expressing the true meaning of this somber holiday.

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Nancy Robinson Ranked #6 in MI
Century 21 Town and Country - Royal Oak, MI
#11 Century21 Realtor in the US, #16 in the World

Beautifully written!  Thank You for saying this. I  too despise that people say " Happy Memorial Day"  We are to remember on Memorial Day  what we  Americans were given by those who died for us.  Its not just a free day off to goof off.

May 29, 2016 07:55 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

Goofing off on a three day weekend is one thing.  It's another to wish people a Happy Memorial Day.  No sooner had I posted this than I saw another Happy Memorial Day Weekend wish on my Facebook wall.  

May 29, 2016 07:59 AM
Tammie White, Broker
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale

I could not have said this any better. Tomorrow we will be joining some friends who are very active with the local USO. While we will be enjoying our afternoon, we'll be remembering the sacrifice so many have made for our freedom.

May 29, 2016 07:58 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

Feel free to reblog.  It's one of the few I've left open for reblogs lately.

May 29, 2016 08:00 AM
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Absolutely pitch perfect for this weekend.  I cringe when I see "Happy Memorial Day."  I just shake my head and think, "really?"  

May 29, 2016 08:43 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

It's not a "happy" holiday.  The Fourth of July is a happy one.

May 29, 2016 09:43 AM
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Congratulations!  You  have been featured in Bananatude!

May 29, 2016 08:44 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

Thanks for the feature in the group.

May 29, 2016 09:44 AM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Excellent point ChrisAnn!  Memorial Day is a holiday you observe remembrance and appreciation for those that gave their lives while serving this country in the military. 

May 29, 2016 08:59 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

So many don't get it.

May 29, 2016 09:44 AM
Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

Well written. Memorial weekend is a time to reflect on the HEROES, who served this country so that we can live and enjoy the freedom that is bestowed upon us today.

May 29, 2016 09:04 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

No harm in enjoying the three day weekend in the process, just don't put out wishes for a happy holiday.  It's not one of those you smile with joy about.

May 29, 2016 09:45 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Chris Ann, I enjoyed reading this post. We all need to remember why we have a three day weekend.  AND, while we are enjoying the play time ... remember there are many still fighting for our freedom to do so ...some will return home in a box ... none will return home the same.  

May 29, 2016 10:06 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

It is only fitting to take the time to truly think about what some have given in service to their country.

May 29, 2016 10:18 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I don't think it has much to do with being politically correct, but instead like you said being respectful.  

I celebrated a 5 year old's birthday this weekend.  But to me "happy memorial day" is about the same as telling someone to have a "happy funeral" if they are burying a loved one

May 29, 2016 10:30 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

That's a good analogy.

May 29, 2016 10:34 AM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Chris Ann, I so agree with you and honestly I don't believe in cookouts on this day...yesterday fine...but it is a respectful day to be honored.

May 30, 2016 12:56 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

I'm not anti-cookout today, just not digging people wishing a Happy Memorial Day.  Happy and Memorial Day don't belong together.  

May 30, 2016 03:49 AM
Curtis Van Carter
Better Homes & Gardens Wine Country Group - Yountville, CA
Your Napa Valley Broker Extraordinaire

Chris Ann

Though me father was a true AH, I can relate to what you are saying. My father served 26 years in the Air Force and one of my memorable things from him, his laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington. cheers cvc

May 30, 2016 05:07 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

My father was a very kind soul and I miss him so much.  The holidays of genuine emotion for him were Memorial Day and Christmas.  He would tear up explaining the significance of both to my brother and I.

May 30, 2016 05:18 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Chris Ann Cleland I remember a message from a number of years back on saying "Happy" in front of Memorial Day. Some choose to remember, some choose to inspire, others celebrate and some just do not know. 

May 30, 2016 09:53 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

I think this weekend has become untangled from the meaning and the Happy is probably those that think of the long weekend, pool openings and barbecues.

May 30, 2016 10:56 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Perfect post Chris Ann Cleland we must never forget to remember and honor all of those who have given so much for us all.

May 30, 2016 10:42 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

The deserve our remembrance.

May 30, 2016 10:56 AM
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

I have seen more people returning to the real reason for the holiday. Unlike when I was a kid and 3 days off meant PARTY CENTRAL.

May 30, 2016 10:49 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

Who doesn't love a long weekend?  But losing the meaning for the holiday is not a good thing.

May 30, 2016 10:57 AM
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