Is Memorial Day just a 3 day weekend for you?
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
Grand Junction, Colorado
May 27, 2010 3:25pm CST
I'm starting this discussion because my 6 yr old asked me what Memorial Day was, why is it a holiday. So I tried to explain to her what it's really suppose to be about besides her having a 3 day weekend. She seemed to understand some what, but it got me to thinking and wanting to do some real observation of the day the way it should be.
I'm sure for most people Memorial Day just means a 3 day weekend, but for some it is much more than that. It is hanging out the American Flag and visiting cemetaries and placing flowers and little American Flags on the grave sites of fallen soldiers. It is a day that should be devoted more to remembering why we have the freedoms that we do, because men and women gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, and being thankful.
I come from a military family and am guilty of not spending my Memorial Day being thankful for the freedoms I have. So I have decided that on Monday we will take the little American flags that we got at the dollar store and visit the cemetary, and my daughter will be better able to understand what Memorial Day really is.
So my questions to you are have you observed Memorial Day in this way? Do you have traditions that you do on Memorial day? Do you have travel plans? Do you come from a military family like me?
I hope that eveyone has a great weekend, be safe.
4 people like this
14 responses
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
27 May 10
My Mom, Sister, BIL and I usually go to the cemetary and put fresh flowers out at my Dad (WWII veteran) and Sister's graves. We always make sure Dad's vase has a flag in it as well. We don't have any plans this year...not even the lake...maybe a round of golf, but that's it. Our big trips are planned for June/July/August. You have a great weekend too.
1 person likes this
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
28 May 10
I'm glad to hear that you observe Memorial Day. I don't know much about golf, so I will say hope you get a hole in one, lol.
Where are you planning to go this summer?
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
28 May 10
Wow, you will be busy, but how fun. I hope the gas prices stay down for you, if you avoid California you will save a lot, lol. Drive safely.
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
28 May 10
My Mom and I have two trips planned...NM, CO, UT, NV, CA, AZ back to NM in June/July. Two weeks later...NM, TX, MO, IL, IA, MN, SD, NE, CO and back to NM. First one is a family reunion (CO)/great nephew birthday party (CA). The second one is pick up my two great nieces in Dallas and take them along to Branson, MO, and a wedding in Minneapolis and then check out the Black Hills, SD. Guess we'll fly the kids home when we get back to NM...or I might just drive them back to Dallas (it's only an 11-hour drive). Lots of driving (hope the gas price goes down). Thanks for asking.
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
28 May 10
My late husband served in World War II in the US Army Air Corps before it became the Air Force, so yes. My brother served in the Viet Nam War as well. I do not plan to travel this weekend, but did just come back from a 3-day trip. It was very nice. Whenever I am able to go somewhere special and have a good time, I always think of the sacrifices our men and women in the military are making and appreciate their service.
1 person likes this
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
2 Jun 10
Thank you to all who served our country.
@ drannhh I'm sorry for your recent loss.
1 person likes this
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
28 May 10
I'm sure your brother told you all about that one. My compliments to your brother.
I don't know if you are aware of it but the very country America lost over 350,000 of its in some cases, brightest minds and young people in a "conflict" that ended the way it was ALWAYS going to end. the country is "United" and "Hanoi", once the capital of "North Viet Nam" is one of the top tourist and recreation spots in Asia. Many Europeans and "AMERICANS" go on holiday there and many have taken up resdency there. But alas that's also another conversation.
Thank you for your citizenship and a special thanks to your brother from another Viet Nam vet.
2 people like this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
29 May 10
I do have strong military history in my family. It's hard to explain to a young child it's meaning but my grandfather used to tell me that it is a day to honor those that have fallen for their country and those that live in it. Politics aside..these people fought bravely for the place they called home and they didn't do it for money or government as much as they did it for family and the idea of where they wanted their future generations to be raised under the idea that they would continue to know what it was like to be free. I used to vist my family's graveyard when I was closer and clean up around the grave sites...leaving flags and flowers. It's been a long time since I did that. It is quite the drive now. I do enjoy the three days off but I also respect the day.
1 person likes this
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
5 Jun 10
It seems that your grandfather did a good job explaining the day to you. I agree with all of it, it's not about the money, it's about protecting our way of life and keeping us free. Thank you for response.
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36847)
• Pamplona, Spain
3 Jun 10
Hiya beanie,
As such the Memorial Days they have here are not about the Soldiers who fought in the Spanish Civil War. They are supposed to be in Memory of any fallen Soldier in active Service for this Country.
So most People do their own thing and visit Cemeteries and such when they want to. The other "Memorial Days" were to honour all the active Soldiers in service at the moment.
I think it should also be about the Spanish Civil War too because it did exist and the wounds from it still exist today for many. However it is never mentioned openly.
I remember November the 11th what they celebrate in England is called Remembrance Day and they usually sell Poppies which the money goes to help all the wounded Soldiers and help them live a better life with their sustained injuries. I respect that more than any other as I was born there. But I respect all the others too. Hope you had a great weekend though.
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
5 Jun 10
Memorial Day in our country is about all fallen soldiers no matter what war they fought in whether the cival war or WWI or Iraq. Sorry to hear that all of your soldiers aren't honored this way.
Thank you and yes it was a good weekend, hope yours was as well.
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36847)
• Pamplona, Spain
7 Jun 10
Hiya beanie,
The Soldiers that fought here in The Spanish Civil War are not honoured in the same way. Well they are only recognised properly if they were Generals fighting for General Franco. All the rest I´m afraid are just some Memorial thing that gets noticed when they have some strange Ceremony.
The Ceremonies they carry out here do not resonate with me at all but then it´s none of my business what they believe and what they do either. I just think it´s a shame that so many honest Men who fought for something are already forgotten except by their Families. Some are still trying to get them buried properly after all this time. Well it was a normal Weekend but I always try to enjoy whatever Day it is anyway.
@inday_lorna1970 (1268)
• United States
28 May 10
Yeah we do observed memorial day even do my family isn't in a military but my father-in law and my husband uncle which he was very closed to him..we do visit the cemetery for like few hours talked about them bringing flowers & little flags. The rest of the day we goes to places we like. Yeah it's a good lesson for children why we have to observed memorial day because to fight for our freedom is risking one's own life.
1 person likes this
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
28 May 10
@ inday, I hope that you continue with your tradition. I agree that it's a great lesson for children.
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
28 May 10
It is even more than risking one's life. It is defending the very way a people live and function in their everyday lives. It is the sacrifice virtual strangers make to preserve a society's right to exist.
It is good you are teaching your children this lesson. After all they will be the next generation to protect the "American" way of life. Let's hope they will not have to put their lives on the line to do so.
1 person likes this
@kedralynn (980)
• United States
27 May 10
My birthday falls on Memorial Day weekend. So the weekend is usually a mix of my birthday and going to the cemetery to remember our lost loved ones. I feel bad as lately it's the only time I go visit my brother's grave anymore. And I'll also admit that I often get swept up over Memorial Day weekend parties and BBQs rather than going to the cemetery... A lot of people just look at it as a time to party and we forget the real reasons behind it. My grandfather was in WWII so we've been reminded for years and years before he passed what this holiday was really about. We'd get lectured on the military often. I'm tying my best to remember but I'll admit I also get a little selfish as my birthday is that weekend so sometimes I want people to focus on me instead. Like this year, no one remembered my birthday other than my mom and boyfriend and everyone is going out of town :/
1 person likes this
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
28 May 10
First I will say Happy Birthday and I'm sorry that it has been forgotten. I understand about being selfish and ones birthday is a good reason.
@cher913 (25781)
• Canada
27 May 10
i guess that your memorial day is like our rememberance day here in canada which takes place in november and is not a holiday.
our long weekend was this past weekend and it was in honour of queen victoria's birthday (it started when canada was born and queen victoria was on the throne). now a days it is just pretty much the first weekend of summer, weekend to open up the cottage or party, oh, plus fireworks.
1 person likes this
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
27 May 10
The official start the summer activities is Memorial Day here, I believe that Remembrance Day is exactly the same as our Memorial Day. I hope that you enoyed your long weekend, sounds like fun, I love fireworks.
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
27 May 10
I am just as guilty as you are beanie, for not remembering the real reason for this holiday. My father and uncle both fought for my freedom and yet I spend it either having a cookout at home or going to friends house to celebrate with a cookout and games.
This year isn't much different except I will be spending it with relatives I really don't care for..:(
Your reminder though, I will remember those who fought for freedom..Thanks..:)
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
27 May 10
I too, usually get caught up in the BBQ's and the fun, if it hadn't been for my daughter this year too would be the exact same. There is a website that I found that asks that a National Moment of Remembrance take place a 3:00 pm. Sorry that you have to spend with relatives that you don't care for. When I was married I felt the same way, now I don't see them anymore, yippee! My father and grandfather were lifers in the military, so I know exactly what you mean.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
27 May 10
My dad was in the army, but my family isn't particularly a military family and we never lost anybody, though my cousin's son did get wounded in Iraq a few years back. No we haven't observed Memorial Day this way, but it would be a great lesson for the children.
1 person likes this
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
27 May 10
The discussion was inspired by my daughter asking "What does it mean?" so I went on line and found ways to celebrate the day. She was quite interested and thought it would be a great teaching lesson. I hope that your cousins son has made a full recovery. My family hasn't lost anybody in the military in my lifetime, but my brother, father and grandfather all served, my father and grandfather were lifetime my brother was permentantly disabled from the military so is also now retired.
@SomeCowgirl (32189)
• United States
28 May 10
There have been people in my family in the army, but they were honorably discharged. There is only one person I know of that was in the Army, but there might have been more that I either don't remember or don't know of.
I guess this answers your question, but Nope we don't celebrate it like that. We just cookout or maybe we don't even do that. I know what the holiday is for though, and know that we should be thankful for the freedom we have.
@savypat (20216)
• United States
27 May 10
We are not what you would call a military family, but have always had a strong
military presence in each generation. Memorial Day is an important day to be greatful and remember those who have sacrificed for us. It's good to also remember what the cost to the families of these people has been. Freedom has never been free and it is necessary to remember the costs.
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
27 May 10
Thank you savypat that's very well said, the cost for our freedom has never been free.
@KarissaAngel (362)
• United States
27 May 10
Yes, but I am also grateful to the men and women who served our country to provide freedom to me. Monday may be another day off, but it is honored. My biological father was not military but my step-dad was and that is a day for me to remember him again. Both my father and dad were good men although they are no longer with us on Earth. I love the USA.
1 person likes this
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
28 May 10
I'm sorry for your loss of both of your dad and father. Happy Mylotting
@sender621 (14889)
• United States
27 May 10
A lot of people only see Memorial Day as a extra day off in the weekend. for some , it is a paid holiday. Banks are close, no mail delivery and every store seems to have a sale going. We forget what Memorial Day is about. This is the day we honor freedom. We should all say a little prayer in devotion to those who gave everything so we could have what we do. I have relatives in the military, both in reserves and armed forces. My heart will be with them especially on Memorial Day.
1 person likes this
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
28 May 10
The remembrance should be oberved at 3:00 pm according to the websie I visted on ways to observe Memorial Day. My heart and blessing go out to all of our military serving this country and all those that gave the ultimate sacrifice. Happy Mylotting!!!
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
28 May 10
Great topic! I too come from a military family and Yes, we did celebrate "Memorial Day" by going to the local cemetery and placing flowers and little American flags on the graves of the fallen war heroes of our family. We also went to memorial day church services. When that was all over we ate hartely and then we partied.
Nowdays it seems alot of people do forget what it is really about. Like you said, they only see an extra day off from work, school, or some seemingly unpleasant chore they would be doing if no holiday.
We Americans better wake up! America's freedom at this point is being seriously threatened from within and outside; but that's another conversation.
It is only right and respectful that Americans honors its fallen patriots who were involved creating that freedom and those who have lost their lives keeping it.
So for me as a Viet Nam vet the answer is, it's more than just a few extra days from work or anything else. That day is "SPECIAL" and deserves every "TRUE" American's respect and "PROPER" celebration. What do you think?
1 person likes this
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
5 Jun 10
bigal, very well said and thank you for your service to this country.
I doubt that most young people even know what the holiday is suppose to be about, besides a day for bbq and drinking. Atleast that's what I have observed.
I doubt that most young people even know what the holiday is suppose to be about, besides a day for bbq and drinking. Atleast that's what I have observed.