Memorial day is not set aside for a picnic

[Tallbear]

The "Memorial" in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice:



by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
by visiting memorials.
by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.
by flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).
by participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance (http://www.usmemorialday.org/Speeches/President/may0200.txt)": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps (http://www.usmemorialday.org/taps.html) to be played.
by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our falled dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.



Also, please consider adding your voice in support of the efforts to restore the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day (http://www.usmemorialday.org/act.html) back to May 30th (instead of "the last Monday in May"). This would help greatly to return the solemn meaning back to the day, and to help return minds and hearts to think upon the ultimate sacrifices made by those in service to our country. Just one day out of the year to honor our loved ones, our ancestors, our friends who died in conflicts and wars -- not to honor war, but those that died in those conflicts and wars.

[CircuitRider]

Thanks, Tallbear.

[Ruger]

For years we used to visit the grave sites of some of Michigan's civil war vets at local cemeteries. I've just recently found that the one in Livonia that we used to tend back in the 70's is now Islamic Memorial Gardens! :bite:

[dmd7765]

Thanks Mike,

We should never forget the real meaning...

[mikeb32]

Amen, Tallbear!

[balrog006]

Tallbear, well said-thank you!

I'll continue my observance in the traditional fashion for the whole weekend, similar to the list of activities you suggest.

Though I think the Monday off does make for a good opportunity to have a cookout and a beverage while honoring and reminiscing with or about family and friends that have served. Especially if some of them can attend and you can cook for them!

[LongBeardBuster]

Read This:
http://motherboard.vice.com/blog/marine-explains-what-memorial-day-means-to-the-worlds-biggest-anonymous-email-list

[DV8r]

The "Memorial" in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice:



by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
by visiting memorials.
by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.
by flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).
by participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance (http://www.usmemorialday.org/Speeches/President/may0200.txt)": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps (http://www.usmemorialday.org/taps.html) to be played.
by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our falled dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.



Also, please consider adding your voice in support of the efforts to restore the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day (http://www.usmemorialday.org/act.html) back to May 30th (instead of "the last Monday in May"). This would help greatly to return the solemn meaning back to the day, and to help return minds and hearts to think upon the ultimate sacrifices made by those in service to our country. Just one day out of the year to honor our loved ones, our ancestors, our friends who died in conflicts and wars -- not to honor war, but those that died in those conflicts and wars.
Ditto.

Thank you.