On Saturday morning, just as Dale was about to leave to go meet his Boy Scout troop and decorate the graves of our town’s soldiers with flags, he commented that he really wished people understood the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day.
I couldn’t agree more. While I believe it’s always appropriate to thank a serviceman or veteran, that’s not what Memorial Day is about. It’s about our fallen soldiers, our service men and women who died in the line of duty, who gave up their lives for our country.
It’s about people like Corporal Gordon Craig, a soldier from East Bridgewater who received the Purple Heart and the Congressional Medal of Honor for throwing himself on a hand grenade in the Korean War. He saved the lives of his comrades by sacrificing his own. Call it bravery, call it heroism, or call it love – as my fellow Kiwanian Phil did the other night. Whatever you call it, remember it and honor it on Memorial Day, a day dedicated to the U.S. men and women who died while in military service.
Happy Memorial Day. Let us never forget the fallen.
Well said, Carole.
P.S. Happy Memorial Day!
Prompted by your facebook post the other day, I did a little investigation to make certain my family understood the distinction. We visited with an awesome veteran yesterday. He was in both WWII and the Korean War. He told us about the time he “accepted” the gore of battle and the heartbreak of losing a fellow soldier. We were humbled. A wonderful experience for my daughters. Happy Memorial Day!
I totally agree with Dale. It’s also family time. I know you’ve been having a lovely weekend because you always do.
I’m old enough to remember, too, that “Veterans’ Day” used to be called “Armistice Day” in commemoration of the end of World War I, but was later changed to the present Veterans’ Day to honor the vets of all wars. I believe we still hold a moment of silence at 11 am, the official end of WWI.
Beautifully said. Thank you.
I agree — beautifully said. Thank you.
Dan and I just had this exact same discussion yesterday afternoon coming down the main street of our town where they were getting ready for this morning’s parade.
We were saying that even here, in a huge military town, we didn’t think people understood. Even more sadly is that they just see it as a day off for BBQ.
Totally agree!
Thanks for the reminder of the distinction. Our friend commented today that his father (a veteran) mentioned that this used to be called “Decoration Day,” and it was always on Sunday and meant to be a time to decorate the graves of fallen service people.
I always like to think of it as those who died in the fight for freedom/rights so that it includes so many more political activists and others serving our interests abroad but I know that’s not correct. Hope you had a wonderful weekend.
Amen. Sadly, many have forgotten the reason behind the day, and do just see it as a day off from work & a great BBQ opportunity. While ‘Remembrance Day’ (as I believe it used to be called) is the day to honor those who fell in defense of our freedom, I also take it as an opportunity to thank those who currently serve … because we may not have the chance to thank them in person, and I’d rather ‘Remember’ them while they’re alive than wait to honor them after they’ve paid the ultimate price. After all, those who serve, especially those who joined during a time of war, have already said that they are willing to die in defense of the United States of America and all that she stands for. So again, Amen!
Well said, Carole!
Well said. That is a wonderful reminder.
Jack and I talked about the same thing last week (been away with only dial up for 10 days). Even on the radio all the talk was about thanking service men and women rather than remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us.