thank you from dh, who is enjoying a golf game with our adult kids...so much different when he was discharged from the navy...back then, when he enrolled in college, he didn't tell a soul he was a "vet"...

I'm proud my Dad, brother and hubby were all in the US Military. I remember, when I was a kid, we called it "Decoration Day" because people put out red-white-and-blue decor on buildings and brought flowers to graves. Somewhat sad, this Day has become more of a "festive" holiday- time for barbeques and the Unofficial First Day of Summer.

Indeed this should be a day of mourning.

Two of my brothers served in WW2, one saw terrible things in Germany. My first husband served in WW2 and became a career Air Force man. Fortunately he was spared from the worst. My second husband served 51 months in WW2, most of that overseas, was in danger regularly, but by the grace of God returned home unscathed.

My oldest daughter lost a fiance in Vietnam.

All were proud to have served, but all hoped that it would not happen again.

If those who declare war were required to serve in the war zone they might pursue more peaceful means of settling things.

My dad served in WW2, in the Air Force-was over seas most of it. Spent most of his time in Africa. Mother was a USO show girl. Both brothers were in the Army during the Viet Nam War, one served in Viet Nam & the other in Germany. Husband was in the Marines-was a presidential guard when Jimmy Carter was in the White House. God bless our military!! And we honor those that gave their lives, not just today but every day.

I don't think it should necessarily be a day of mourning, rather remembrance and gratitude. I visited the military cemetery in Dayton last week, with my FIL, retired USAF, for my late MIL, who was an AF nurse. The cemetery looks so much like Arlington (and the above pic), with row upon row of white stones--the numbers really bring it home. My son was in the army, Old Guard, stationed at Fort Myer, in Arlington, before a tour in Afghanistan in 2010.

Thank you pkramer, for posting the thread. Thank you, to all who served.

I prefer to celebrate their lives and their wonderful giving of themselves for our country and our rights and freedoms. Those alive and passed on are all honored today here in our household. We have immediate family members that have been so willing to give for all of us and we celebrate them and honor them. But we certainly never ever forget! We are ever grateful.

THANK YOU TO ALL PAST AND PRESENT MILITARY.

The best way to honor our military is to not use them unnecessarily. This can be done if our politicians would always keep in mind how many wrong-headed political decisions since the Korean War have resulted in needless deaths and suffering for those in the military.

I'm a Vietnam era veteran of the reserve military forces. I spent time on active duty. What I did and what those who couldn't avoid the draft or active service had to do was a terrible waste of time, money, and lives.

That's what Memorial Day means to me, a reminder that being MUCH more restrictive in choosing our fights will lead to fewer lives sacrificed in vain.

We do have the American picnic kind of dinner, and sing old war songs as a way to remember the war dead.

PKramer, that's a nice card, but it's weird to me to see the national cemetery without the Memorial Day flags, so here's another picture:

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, whereby families of soldiers who died in a war decorated their loved ones' graves in remembrance. It was never intended to 'kick off the start of summer'. I had 5 brothers who served, but by the grace of GOD, came home. There is no such thing as 'Happy' Memorial Day. This day is set aside for nothing more than to pause and remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.

I live directly across the street from the city cemetery. Lots of people visiting there and bringing flowers all weekend. Because of the threat of rain, the city did not let the volunteers put flags at the graves of veterans. Said it is too hard to dry out the flags. Also cancelled the small parade this morning and moved the program from the cemetery to the city auditorium. Then it didn't rain at all and got sunny and warm. Last night I watched the program from Washington, D.C. and got teary eyed hearing the stories of some of the families who had lost their husbands and fathers in recent wars.

Sorry that I offended some of you with my post title and the photo.

I have emailed Tamara to remove it.

You did NOT offend me with the photo! I just missed the little flags so posted another picture so we could see the little flags.

I think the rest of the people were just discussing their feelings about Memorial Day, not picking on you.

Your sentiment, let us honor and never forget them, is lovely!

((((BIG HUG))))

you certainly did not offend me in any way. I agree it is a celebration of their lives and their honor and giving. When I die I do not want mourners I want celebrations and remembrances. I appreciate your taking the time and effort to mention Memorial day .... no one else started a topic on it.

We now live too far from the cemetary where my brother, who was wounded in the Battle of The Bulge, and later died from those wounds at a hospital in England, is buried to visit his grave on Memorial Day, but the important thing is that he is remembered and loved and always will be.

My thanks and prayers of gratitude go to all those who have served to keep our country safe.

You didn't offend me, either! Your heart is totally in the right place. Plus your post brought up a meaningful topic of conversation for all of us.

Though I know that the origin of Memorial Day is a somber reality of wartime, past and present, it also coincides with the end of the school year for many students and teachers, graduation, and the beginning of the summer vacation season. It is a happy three day weekend for most.

You said nothing offensive, nothing to apologize for.

I forgot to mention in my earlier comment - there are over 100 national cemeteries in the US. Most people don't know that only a very small percentage of people buried in them died from combat action. All veterans (and spouses too, I believe) are entitled to be buried in a national cemetery. The occupant of any individual grave you pass is much more likely to have died of old age or an auto accident as from enemy fire.

I heard from Tamara last night and she is leaving it here, even though I asked to have it removed. I do know that I will not make this mistake again.