Mistaking Memorial Day for Veteran's Day...

[random_thought]

Am I the only one who is annoyed by this? Memorial Day is specifically a time for mourning and honoring those who gave their lives for our country. Veteran's Day is for thanking all members of the military, alive or dead, for their service.

Yet, all day, every Memorial Day, my Facebook feed looks more like Veteran's Day than Memorial Day. It also bothers me when people wish me a Happy Memorial Day.

Maybe I am a scrooge but I lost a fiancé in Afghanistan and I am sure that is a part of why I get so riled up by it all.

What are your thoughts?

 

[SB621]

Nope I'm very much aware of the difference, but i'm also a military spouse and my grandfather is a WWII veteran who lost many friends and family. It has always been clear in my mind. It wasn't until college I learned that most people confuse them.

Anyhow for Memorial Day this year, we are going to the American Cemetery in the Netherlands to honor those buried there and then listen to speaker talk about WWI and WWII. I understand those who turn it into a big family bbq day, which I'm not against at all- but it makes me sad that they forget what this day really means.

Edit: And I'm so very sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine.

 

[random_thought]

Nope I'm very much aware of the difference, but i'm also a military spouse and my grandfather is a WWII veteran who lost many friends and family. It has always been clear in my mind. It wasn't until college I learned that most people confuse them.

Anyhow for Memorial Day this year, we are going to the American Cemetery in the Netherlands to honor those buried there and then listen to speaker talk about WWI and WWII. I understand those who turn it into a big family bbq day, which I'm not against at all- but it makes me sad that they forget what this day really means.

Edit: And I'm so very sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine.

That sounds like a wonderful way to spend the day, I would love to do something like that!

No worries, it has been 10 years now and I'm married but I do still think about him usually on memorial day and his birthday at the least.

 

[AGBF]

Am I the only one who is annoyed by this? Memorial Day is specifically a time for mourning and honoring those who gave their lives for our country. Veteran's Day is for thanking all members of the military, alive or dead, for their service.


What are your thoughts?

My thoughts are a bit different from yours. I tend to think of both days as solemn occasions. I know that Armistice Day has now become Veterans Day, because-most unfortunately-the United States, as well as many other nations, has now lost soldiers in wars besides World War I.

However, the roots of Veterans Day lie in Armistice Day, the day on which World War I ended. As I am sure you know, many millions of men died in World War I, sometimes millions died in one battle alone. The generation of boys and men who were young at the time of the war became known as, "The Lost Generation". Many women could not marry or bear children because there were so few men whom they could marry.

The Armistice was declared at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (of 191. So November 11, which was once Armistice Day, became Veterans Day. But it has always been a solemn occasion.

Deb/AGBF
Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

 

[AGBF]

Here is a link to how Armistice Day is still celebrated in France on November 11. As you can see, it is a holiday in which the dead are remembered, a holiday in which there are many church services.

Armistice Day in France...http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/france/armistice-day

Deb/AGBF

 

[random_thought]

AGBF- that's a really interesting perspective. I knew about Armistice Day but not to that extent, thank you for sharing, I love learning more about history

 

[AGBF]

AGBF- that's a really interesting perspective. I knew about Armistice Day but not to that extent, thank you for sharing, I love learning more about history

Thank you for inviting others to comment!

Deb

 

[yennyfire]

Am I the only one who is annoyed by this? Memorial Day is specifically a time for mourning and honoring those who gave their lives for our country. Veteran's Day is for thanking all members of the military, alive or dead, for their service.


What are your thoughts?

My thoughts are a bit different from yours. I tend to think of both days as solemn occasions. I know that Armistice Day has now become Veterans Day, because-most unfortunately-the United States, as well as many other nations, has now lost soldiers in wars besides World War I.

However, the roots of Veterans Day lie in Armistice Day, the day on which World War I ended. As I am sure you know, many millions of men died in World War I, sometimes millions died in one battle alone. The generation of boys and men who were young at the time of the war became known as, "The Lost Generation". Many women could not marry or bear children because there were so few men whom they could marry.

The Armistice was declared at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (of 191. So November 11, which was once Armistice Day, became Veterans Day. But it has always been a solemn occasion.

Deb/AGBF
Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

Fascinating Deb! My son was born on Nov. 11th and I hadn't realized some of the history of Veteran's Day. At 9, he really enjoys history and I know he will love to hear the background on what is also his birthday! Thanks for the edu-macation!

To the OP, yes...it bothers me that most people don't know the difference, but sadly, there are a lot of things out there that I think people should know and I'm surprised that they don't. I am sorry for your loss and appreciate your fiancé's ultimate sacrifice for our country.

 

[AprilBaby]

I hate Memorial Day sales! Like how is that a great day to go shopping????

 

[AGBF]

I hate Memorial Day sales! Like how is that a great day to go shopping????

You're right. Everyone knows one is supposed to shop on Thanksgiving.

Deb

 

[SB621]

Here is a link to how Armistice Day is still celebrated in France on November 11. As you can see, it is a holiday in which the dead are remembered, a holiday in which there are many church services.

Armistice Day in France...http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/france/armistice-day

Deb/AGBF

AGBF thank you!!! I also knew about Veterans Day coming from Armistice Day but not quite all the history! Now that we are in Europe I'm very tempted to see if we can plan a trip to France in November. I would be so interested to see how it is celebrated!

 

[TooPatient]

Am I the only one who is annoyed by this? Memorial Day is specifically a time for mourning and honoring those who gave their lives for our country. Veteran's Day is for thanking all members of the military, alive or dead, for their service.


What are your thoughts?

My thoughts are a bit different from yours. I tend to think of both days as solemn occasions. I know that Armistice Day has now become Veterans Day, because-most unfortunately-the United States, as well as many other nations, has now lost soldiers in wars besides World War I.

However, the roots of Veterans Day lie in Armistice Day, the day on which World War I ended. As I am sure you know, many millions of men died in World War I, sometimes millions died in one battle alone. The generation of boys and men who were young at the time of the war became known as, "The Lost Generation". Many women could not marry or bear children because there were so few men whom they could marry.

The Armistice was declared at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (of 191. So November 11, which was once Armistice Day, became Veterans Day. But it has always been a solemn occasion.

Deb/AGBF
Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

We sort of do a combo for Veterans Day. Which is to say that we focus on the history of Armistice Day but also thank the current and retired military.

Memorial Day and Veterans Day drive DH batty. No one seems to remember the history of Armistice Day and no one seems to realize that there is a difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. I've even seen school assembly announcements have to be corrected as they included the wrong one!

Our plans this year include a memorial ceremony by local military people and watching a wonderful movie called Taking Chance. If you haven't seen it, you should! It is about a soldier who receives a call asking him to escort the body of a fallen soldier to his hometown for burial.

 

[Guilty Pleasure]

I sort of look at both days the same, with a slight distinction between Memorial Day being for the deceased and Veterans Day being for all whom have served in the military. While the days have different origins, I look at both days as a day to reflect and show thanks for those who have sacrificed, small or large or total, to protect my freedom.

A a military spouse, I see firsthand the sacrifice of these men and women and their families. I don't begrudge the BBQs and lake trips of Memorial Day though because I look at these gatherings as celebrations of American freedom and representations of the very reason that our servicemen and women fight. As for me, I am usually pretty quiet on Memorial Day because it makes me imagine life without my husband. I think of those in the community who have lost their lives, of the hardship their wives and children have experienced. I grieve their loss and simultaneously feel guilty for being glad that it's not me, that my husband is safe.

I think some people probably just thank all veterans because focusing on the death may be uncomfortable for them. Others might thank all veterans because hey, one day of thanks isn't enough. If someone thanks my husband for his service, his usual response is that he's just doing what he loves. I think most people in the military would respond the same way, but it's still nice to hear a supportive word.

 

[TooPatient]

Wow.

Just watched "Taking Chance" again after a few years. It is just as good as I remembered and more. Need a box of tissues to make it through.

The attention to detail and respect shown for PFC Chance Phelps as he was escorted home was amazing. Seeing people stop to honor him at every stop of the way... Wow.

For those who haven't seen it -- WATCH IT.
This isn't just a movie, it is a real story about a real man who died serving our country.

 

[Sparklelu]

I'm sorry for your loss. I am grateful for his service and sacrifice, and you and his families sacrifice.

Is there really something wrong with honoring those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country and then adding thank you to all who serve?
It most certainly is not meant to lessen their sacrifice.

 

[AGBF]

I sort of look at both days the same, with a slight distinction between Memorial Day being for the deceased and Veterans Day being for all whom have served in the military. While the days have different origins, I look at both days as a day to reflect and show thanks for those who have sacrificed, small or large or total, to protect my freedom.

A a military spouse, I see firsthand the sacrifice of these men and women and their families. I don't begrudge the BBQs and lake trips of Memorial Day though because I look at these gatherings as celebrations of American freedom and representations of the very reason that our servicemen and women fight. As for me, I am usually pretty quiet on Memorial Day because it makes me imagine life without my husband. I think of those in the community who have lost their lives, of the hardship their wives and children have experienced. I grieve their loss and simultaneously feel guilty for being glad that it's not me, that my husband is safe.

I think some people probably just thank all veterans because focusing on the death may be uncomfortable for them. Others might thank all veterans because hey, one day of thanks isn't enough. If someone thanks my husband for his service, his usual response is that he's just doing what he loves. I think most people in the military would respond the same way, but it's still nice to hear a supportive word.

What you wrote was lovely. Thank you.

Deb.

 

[msop04]

I sort of look at both days the same, with a slight distinction between Memorial Day being for the deceased and Veterans Day being for all whom have served in the military. While the days have different origins, I look at both days as a day to reflect and show thanks for those who have sacrificed, small or large or total, to protect my freedom.

A a military spouse, I see firsthand the sacrifice of these men and women and their families. I don't begrudge the BBQs and lake trips of Memorial Day though because I look at these gatherings as celebrations of American freedom and representations of the very reason that our servicemen and women fight. As for me, I am usually pretty quiet on Memorial Day because it makes me imagine life without my husband. I think of those in the community who have lost their lives, of the hardship their wives and children have experienced. I grieve their loss and simultaneously feel guilty for being glad that it's not me, that my husband is safe.

I think some people probably just thank all veterans because focusing on the death may be uncomfortable for them. Others might thank all veterans because hey, one day of thanks isn't enough. If someone thanks my husband for his service, his usual response is that he's just doing what he loves. I think most people in the military would respond the same way, but it's still nice to hear a supportive word.

This is how I think of it... I don't see anything wrong with thanking our veterans on both days... we should really thank them a lot more often than that.

 

[ame]

Wow.

Just watched "Taking Chance" again after a few years. It is just as good as I remembered and more. Need a box of tissues to make it through.

The attention to detail and respect shown for PFC Chance Phelps as he was escorted home was amazing. Seeing people stop to honor him at every stop of the way... Wow.

For those who haven't seen it -- WATCH IT.
This isn't just a movie, it is a real story about a real man who died serving our country.

I have had the opportunity (and I say that knowing that word is really not the right word here) to witness Patriot Guard twice here locally. It is insanely moving to see all the police escort going past all the closed highway and street overpasses with nothing more than firetrucks with flags and saluting firemen on them, people lining the highways along the route standing in salute, young and old, the semi trucks with the flags on the side protecting the vehicle transporting the soldier and his family and escort, and the motorcycle guard as well. Being near several military bases, as well as a semi-major airport with a large DOD installation, we see them frequently here, sadly. But it is absolutely devastating to the emotions to watch them, because you just cannot even imagine.

 

[kathley]

I sort of look at both days the same, with a slight distinction between Memorial Day being for the deceased and Veterans Day being for all whom have served in the military. While the days have different origins, I look at both days as a day to reflect and show thanks for those who have sacrificed, small or large or total, to protect my freedom.

A a military spouse, I see firsthand the sacrifice of these men and women and their families. I don't begrudge the BBQs and lake trips of Memorial Day though because I look at these gatherings as celebrations of American freedom and representations of the very reason that our servicemen and women fight. As for me, I am usually pretty quiet on Memorial Day because it makes me imagine life without my husband. I think of those in the community who have lost their lives, of the hardship their wives and children have experienced. I grieve their loss and simultaneously feel guilty for being glad that it's not me, that my husband is safe.

I think some people probably just thank all veterans because focusing on the death may be uncomfortable for them. Others might thank all veterans because hey, one day of thanks isn't enough. If someone thanks my husband for his service, his usual response is that he's just doing what he loves. I think most people in the military would respond the same way, but it's still nice to hear a supportive word.

This is how I think of it... I don't see anything wrong with thanking our veterans on both days... we should really thank them a lot more often than that.

This!

 

[packrat]

I don't think I could watch that movie. I get teary just reading about it. We lost a soldier 9 years ago, our first since Vietnam if I remember correctly. We drove out to the highway and parked along the side, to join the sea of vehicles and the people paying their respects. I've never seen anything like it before. It was amazing to see everyone come together, and beautiful in a heart breaking way.

 

[redwood66]

While I appreciate the distinction between the two holidays, like Guilty Pleasure they are both very important to me and my family. Being married to a former Marine and our twin sons (only children) in the Navy and forward deployed the appreciation of all military fallen, served, and serving, are foremost in our minds every day of the year. I have noticed that it has become more commonplace for people to thank veterans and serving military members when they meet them at any time or any day in any place. This makes my heart full when I hear it and I know it has made my sons proud to have someone say it to them. They always answer that it is their pleasure to serve because it truly is.