A few tips of etiquette for the upcoming weekend, if I may: 1: Please do not wish me or my fellow Veterans a "Happy Memorial Day". Some are offended. There is nothing 'happy' about brave men and women dying in uniform. 2: Avoid thanking a Veteran for their service this weekend. Our time is the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. We woke up this morning. The last Monday in May is set aside for those who did not. 3: When you plan your family time to celebrate Memorial Day do some research. Independence Day is a day to celebrate. Memorial Day is a day of Remembrance. 4: Plan your travels to include visiting a cemetery or a Memorial. Take your children. 5: If you see a Veteran weeping on Memorial Day, do not try to comfort them by telling them you feel their pain. You do not. 6: If you see tears in a Veteran's eyes on any day, don't assume they are sad. Sometimes we become so full of Patriotic pride that it spills over and runs down our cheeks. It comes moreso with the accumulation of reveilles. 7: Savor the time spent with family and friends. Have a safe holiday weekend. And, by all means, enjoy that hotdog in honor of those that made this day possible! And teach your children, because not all the schools do. Remember our fallen....God Bless America Cryoeeze22 Inc 501(c)3 #memorialdayweekend #cryoeeze22 #veterans #22aday
This is wonderful. Unfortunately, in this country any occasion becomes a reason for a day off for those not at all involved, a reason for a cookout and going out to drink, with only a select few remembering the reason behind the holiday. I'm no exception--when I immigrated to this country, no one in my step-family or among my teachers took the time to educate me on whom we really are celebrating/remembering, and the respectful way to do it.
Randy Long
1y
I, too am a veteran (USS Kitty Hawk). It doesn't bother when people say, "thanks for your service." It's a nice gesture. What bothers me is when VA/DOD always get screwed by not enough staff, budget, resources, etc. Put your $$ where your mouth is.
As an Air Force veteran, I deeply appreciate this guide to holiday etiquette.
Chris Spina
1y
Ryder - this should be mandatory reading this weekend.
Randy Fields
1y
Thanks for the post Ryder Gaston And for the education for those who simply may not know - but have good intentions. I always try to remember that when someone 'thanks me' for my service on Monday. My Memorial Day starts with a sunrise drive to the Middle TN State Vet Cemetery to pass some familiar names in the garden of stones.
Memorial Day! It's not about holiday sales, lake days, and pool parties! Parents please teach your kiddos what Memorial Day is truly about, seems the world is forgetting what this day of rememberance is for.
Ryder Gaston this is perfect - reading it actually brought tears to my eyes as this is the exact sentiment of what my Grandfather always said - respect, honor, remember & appreciate the sacrifices others gave so you can do what you do everyday (beyond eating hotdogs on long weekends)
Chuck Gould
1y
Absolutely
Distilling complex problems into easily understood solutions. I'm the guy who gets things done while keeping my eye on the strategic vision and goals, all while bridging the worlds of technologists and decision makers.
1yI appreciate the intent of this post. But I’m also annoyed with some of the messaging I’ve seen on this topic. Particularly from veterans who get agitated and say something like, “don’t you dare wish me happy Memorial Day” with an attitude. In the words of Sergeant Hulka (stripes), “lighten up Francis.“ My frame of reference is we seem to be living in a society where everyone’s ready to jump all over somebody because they didn’t say the exact right wording of something even when they have good intentions. Or use the opportunity to turn it into a lecture. I think this kind of behavior has the unintended consequence of turning people from the cause. Posting an article sharing some thoughts is fine. But nothing annoys me more than the veteran who gets rude at somebody who, with well intended purpose, wishes them a happy memorial day. I can only speak for the people I know who made that ultimate sacrifice as well as what I would want if I had made that ultimate sacrifice: I would be ecstatic if folks were wishing everybody a happy memorial day. For one thing, it means we still have a country. It means my sacrifice would have been worth it. It’s a sign of our nation‘a success. I smile when I watch people enjoying this holiday.