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Happy Memorial Day... Is it?

By Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Grants Pass, OR 199909023

May 27, 2013 03:33 AM

Happy Memorial Day... Is it? I visited a local cemetery in Grants Pass, Oregon, to quietly pay my respect to the men and women who lost their lives defending our freedom. There were hundreds of beautiful flags, as well as military memorabilia displayed there for many to enjoy.

I approached a soldier who was dressed in uniform, who appeared to be standing watch over the site for Memorial Day weekend. When I asked for permission to take a few pics, he asked if I was going to sell the pictures. Absolutely not, I replied (apparently, someone had tried to do this very thing). My question opened up a dialogue between us, and when we were finished, I hugged a new friend ;-)

When it was time to leave, a friend of mine waved to the soldier and said; 'Happy Memorial Day.' When we got in the car, she said... I don't know why I just said that, it's not exactly happy, is it? The statement made us both reflect on how easy it is for certain words to roll off of our tongue without thinking.

Memorial Day is a special day designated to honor every man and woman in uniform who have made unfathomable sacrifices to defend our personal freedom. If you haven't done so already, please visit Patricia Feager's Memorial Day post. Patricia has a lovely way of telling a beautiful story that is very poignant and personal. This one really touched my heart.

Memorial Day - Grants Pass Oregon - Melinda Peterson

Happy Memorial Day... Is it? - Melinda Peterson

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Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX

NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon Mel,

Love your photograph and your story. I guess I feel we can celebrate a Happy Memorial Day due because of all the veterans who served, died or are now serving. Through their dedication and service they have preserved our freedoms and that I rejoice in!! Thank you each and everyone of you..God Bless you today and always!

May 27, 2013 03:41 AM

Trisha Bush-LeFore

Preferred Properties Land & Homes - Walla Walla, WA

Providing Realtor Services in the Walla Walla Area

Mel,

Finding the right words to say what's in our hearts to the people who have given so much is difficult but we definitely need to try. A little discomfort on our part is nothing when compared to what our service men and women have given for us.

May 27, 2013 03:43 AM

Li Read

Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC

Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

Beautiful post...thank you.

May 27, 2013 03:55 AM

Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR

The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

I too, rejoice... Dorie ;-) I suppose it's the word 'Happy' that might offend some... particularly when referring to loved ones that are deceased.

I agree... Trisha. Compared to the sacrifice, sensitivity is a very small price to pay.

Thank you Li.

May 27, 2013 04:19 AM

Tammy Lankford,

Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA

Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

No, it's not a day for celebration, it's a day for reflection and for reaching to those families who lost those they love. I cringe when I hear "Happy Memorial Day" even though I realize it is often said with the best of intentions.

May 27, 2013 04:22 AM

Gary Woltal

Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX

Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

I don't have any problem saying Happy Memorial Day Mel. It is just an expression. The happy does not reflect being happy about the deaths but happy that we HONOR those who gave the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. Your pictures are so good for this observance and I was very glad to know you got to talk to that soldier.

May 27, 2013 04:27 AM

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA

Probate Real Estate Services

Mel, I think the reason we say Happy Memorial Day is because it's been turned into a three day weekend ... a time when people are paid not to work and they have fun, BBQ, and play. Therefore ...it's Happy. Nothing happy about the loss of so many fallen soldiers. A great shout out for Patricia too.

May 27, 2013 04:29 AM

Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR

The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

I hear ya... Tammy. Sometimes, we simply don't realize the effect our words have on the person receiving them ;-)

Perhaps Gary... I'm wondering if a family, who has lost a loved one, might think the 'expression' is happy.

I believe that's what Memorial Day has become for many... Kathleen. Perhaps it's easier for us to forget that which is too painful to remember.

May 27, 2013 05:00 AM

Ron and Alexandra Seigel

Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA

Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Mel,

Love your point of view, and it more than just about barbecues, I think that many of us know that...A

May 27, 2013 06:37 AM

Nick T Pappas

Assoc. Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, Broker/Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Huntsville AL - Huntsville, AL

Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource

Mel, what we say can certainly be received or interpreted differently depending on the perspective of who we're talking to. I would have to agree with Kathleen's comment.

May 27, 2013 07:05 AM

Brian L. Sirota, Esq.

Bristar Realty (Realtor/Attorney) - Orange, CA

For Solutions: (714) 501-7660

Mel, interpretations of the day's happiness or solemnity are interesting, but I'd be most interested in this soldier's perspective. I'd venture his spirits would cue the mood.

A respectful Memorial Day to you! Brian

May 27, 2013 11:49 AM

Florida Tolbert Team Keller Williams Advantage

Keller Williams Advantage III Realty in Lake Nona - Orlando, FL

Keller Williams Land Luxury Division Specialist

I hope you made him feel the appreciation we all have for our service men and women.

May 27, 2013 12:21 PM

Mark Loewenberg

KW of the Palm Beaches - Palm Beach Gardens, FL

KW 561-214-0370

we must remember our sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, friends and acquaintances for their service to our country. I thank my son for giving the ultimate sacrifice to this country.

May 27, 2013 01:02 PM

Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR

The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Thanks Alexandra. My post certainly wasn't meant to poo-poo on anyone's BBQ... we can all rejoice in having an extra day off to enjoy loved ones ;-) You get what I'm saying... I know!

It seems to be the prevailing thought... Nick. Unless you live in a military community where sensitivity to sacrifice is heightened.

You certainly understand sensitivity when it comes to issues like this Brian. If there was a national holiday honoring Holocaust victims, it would be a very strange thing to say... Happy Holocaust Day!

I asked if I could give him a hug... Kevin... which generated a happy appreciative grin ;-)

Mark ~ You totally know something about the sentiment of Memorial Day. Bless you for raising such a fine young man who was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice with his life for our freedom!

May 28, 2013 03:58 AM

Charles Stallions

Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL

850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

WOW I never thought about it that way, now I will have to ask some folks in the know.

Jun 04, 2013 12:23 PM

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS

Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA

South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I was in both the Army and the Navy and never lost a buddy in combat. I can't say I've been that lucky as a Realtor with so many of clients, being in harms way, the stress is daunting.

Jun 10, 2013 05:12 AM