Don’t Say It, Don’t Post It

The lead-up to the long Memorial Day weekend started with the usual barrage of ads touting discounts on clothes, electronics and of course, mattresses. Menus for Memorial Day backyard barbeques are crafted and necessary items purchased. Pools are readied, cottages cleaned as Memorial Day is often seen as the unofficial start of summer. For many, it’s a weekend of fun – and hopefully in the sun!

In the spirit of helping to avoid a cringe moment or two this weekend, a quick reminder about the purpose of the Memorial Day observance. Sometimes Memorial Day is confused with Veterans Day as both of these federal holidays honor the military, but they couldn’t be more different. Memorial Day is observed to remember and honor military members who died serving their country, especially those who died in battle or from wounds suffered in battle. Veterans Day honors all of those who have served in war or peace, living or dead, although it’s largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices.

Given the purpose of Memorial Day, a bit of advice — do not say “Happy Memorial Day.” For many individuals, Memorial Day is a somber time to remember loved ones who died while serving in the military, so it is not a day of celebration. And another recommendation — don’t thank active service members and veterans for their service just because it’s Memorial Day. Save the “Thank you for your Service” Facebook posts and greetings for Veterans Day in November!

One last piece of advice — set a calendar reminder for Monday, May 29th at 1500 hours (3 p.m.) for the annual National Moment of Remembrance. All Americans are asked to pause for one minute of silence at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to remember those who have died in military service to the United States. For as said by RJ Heller:

In the aftermath, we are because they were.