May 29, 2006

  • Memorial Day

    Have you noticed the number of people who will write “Happy Memorial Day?”  I am not sure why people wish others a Happy Memorial Day.  It appears funny that we would wish others happiness on a day that is designed to remember those who have died.


    I guess it is sort of like going up to someone a year after their father passed away and saying “Happy Anniversary of your Father Passing Away.”


    Why do we wish people a Happy Memorial Day?


     

Comments (132)

  • 1st

  • Its kindof a habit, to wish everyone a happy holiday, whickever one it is.

  • Happy May 29th?

  • I should think it’s because no one takes the holiday seriously.  For many it’s just a day off and a day when there are a lot of tv specials.

  • i dont, haha

  • I don’t know

  • I don’t.

  • I think TheNumber357 has it right, no one really thinks about what the holiday means, they just go flippantly along with thier lives.

  • Maybe for a lack of a better thing to say? Or maybe they mean be happy on this holiday, because there are men who are out there fighting for your freedom, remember them, honor them, and be thankful. So be happy.
    *shrugs*

  • because we don’t have to work so it’s happy

  • canada doesnt have memorial day; our equivalent is rememberance day, and no one wishes anyone a happy rememberance day. i think its because in the states, you get a holiday out of it. here, we dont.

  • Lest they forget, lest they forget.

  • because its a holiday and we’re used to the custom of wishing people a happy whatever holiday it is. i for one never say happy memorial day

  • because we need an excuse to celebrate anything and everything.

  • i guess its just a habit to always wish someone a happy whatever holiday and plus you get off work

                      God Bless,

                          Ashley

  • That’s a very good point.

    After reading your post I saw one of my friends put HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY EVERYONE! Made me laugh.

    Weather sucks here, THUNDER, I guess it really isn’t a day to celebrate, but to remember.

    How have you been?

  • Probably because they really don’t know what Memorial Day is about. 

  • I don’t know… bringing happiness on an otherwise low and unhappy day?

  • Cause its a day off….duh!

  • I don’t think many people stop and think about it.  I know I really haven’t stopped to think about it in the past, but now I have friends who are in the military and it hits closer to home.  I think for most it’s just a three day weekend.

    Rachel

  • It’s a holiday, and holidays are supposed to be happy.

    Plus, hotdogs, burgers, and ribs come out, how can that not be happy?

    Unless you’re a vegatarian…

  • its really because we are all happy to be out of work for the day or out of school.

    very few people really look back and really give rememberance to those who’ve died.
    this world is so caught up in the present time, that even on days designated to remember loved ones who have died, we pass it all on as if nothing happened.

    as for me though, im going to visit a few of my families grave sites and reflect back on their lives.

  • Because people these days don’t say things from the heart; they say what they’re told to say.

    People say ‘Happy Easter’ for the same reason.

    Arguably, that’s like saying ‘Happy Remembrance of a Jew That Decided to Start His Own Religion’s Comming Back From the Dead After Being Crusified by the Romans’.

    But you wouldn’t think of it that way, would you?

  • because we get the day off from work…

    HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!!!

  • Maybe because it’s an honor for the people who died and we’re proud of them? But I don’t know. I don’t wish people a “Happy Memorial Day”.

  • hmm…i suppose it’s just a force of habit, like any other holiday.

  • B/c it’s my birthday :D

  • Because they have no idea what it really is and want to appear intelligent by remembering that it is a holiday.

  • I don’t know…but I say Happy Memorial Day.  I guess it’s a wish for those I love to be happy.  Even if we lost loved ones,  it’s a time to reflect on their lives, be happy we have the freedoms we do because of their sacrifice. 

    Or we just wish happiness to all the party goers who are heading to the beaches and lakes for the extended weekend.

    It just all has a whole new meaning to me now with my son overseas and the loss of a cousin in Iraq.  It’s just different.  But ya, tonight my husband and I will probably grill burgers and sit on the porch….But we do that a lot.

  • I’ve never heard anyone say “Happy Memorial Day”. At work we do wish everyone a good weekend or say “Have a good Holiday.” 

    I think it is that you are not going to remember the dead every second of the weekend. Usually we take mom to the cemetary to leave flowers, then the rest of the weekend celebrates life. I think showing respect doesn’t mean you have to be morbid about it.

  • now that i think about it…it’s kind of stupid

    but to the person who said it’s the same thing with “happy easter” we’re celebrating the rising and rebirth of jesus, so it is a positive celebration

  • Because for a lot of poople, Memorial Day is just another day off instead of a somber observation of the deepest form of sacrifice made by the greatest of Americans.  It was a mistake to make a three day weekend out of it.  As a culture, we are losing the expression of honor.

  • whoops … I sure didn’t mean “poople”, but people.  Think I invented a new word.

  • Amazing. Absoultely amazing.

  • Cause we don’t know what it means.

  • Dan,

    I love the way you look at life and the things we do without thinking.

    I guess people do it out of lazy thinking.

    Candy

  • Imagine if we were all solem though, and there was no cheer. that wouldn’t be better, would it? Haloween is satans holiday, yet we still say happy halloween, it’s probably just a habit, i guess.

  • There are many, many things people say without thinking. They hear others say it. They grow up hearing it.

    Many folks just don’t think. They parrot.

  • My friend mentioned something like this in his away message on AIM. I really don’t know. I guess that since it’s a holiday, people naturally say it.

  • lol… thats a good point! no idea

  • be happy that others have the courage to die for you be happy that your loved ones are not among the fallen heros be happy that YOu are not dead or enslaved.

    Happy Memorial day

  • I have never heard anyone say “Happy Memorial Day.” It’s a day to reflect, remember, and honor those to whom honor is due. It’s a day to think about all the things we take for granted that we would not have without our armed forces.

    :: Kevin

  • I think for the most part it just comes out that way for most people because it is just the fact that it is a holiday….and maybe it’s because we should be celebrating those who have given their lives??? Or maybe it’s just because most people use it as an excuse to get drunk?:)

  • I think its nice they say “happy memorial Day”! We should honor those who died by remembering them in the most happiest way. If you think about it, if the dead realized we mourned for them each year, they wouldn’t want such a thing. Im sure they would want us to remember them for their good deeds, their positivity, and to celebrate their good life. For example, the Filipino tradition, funerals are more of a celebration, not a time to mourn. And, after each year its a time of celebration bringing family together and getting in touch with your faith. I suppose its how you perceive Memorial Day.

  • I think we are afraid to appear too serious.  “Solemn Memorial Day!” just doesn’t sound right to modern ears. 

  • I think we say Happy Memorial Day because its a holiday that most people have off.  I dont know why I stated Happy on my xanga, but opoligized by saying sorry.  Holidays in my house growing up were celebrated and decked out.

    Hope I didnt offend anyone. Im sorry!

  • It’s because so many people just think of it as a day off work. That’s probably why they gave veterans a second holiday in November (Veteran’s day). People are just that ignorant.

  • No school. Natch.

  • Most of the people who say it aren’t as crass as they might sound.  We’re just over-analyzing things here.  I’ve never been offended by the phrase.

  • I agree with soultender.

  • Happy Memorial Day.

    Be glad that you live in a free country.

  • I believe its alot more miserable to be alive. I don’t want to sound bleak, but we live to make it better the best we can. We celebrate Life because we know it is special, and no matter how sad or morbid death is, I think its always good to look at the bright side, and that no one would’ve died in vain.

  • Memorial Day isn’t always a serious affair. It can be, it’s meant to be, but oftentimes it’s also used to celebrate returned loved ones and being an American.

  • Happy that we have people that will fight and die to keep our country free.  Celebrating those peoples lives and their heroism. 

  • Wow… my previous point has been proven.

  • I do it soo we dont forget what we are fighting for and whom is defending our freedom. alive and fallen

  • we’re not remembering their death, we’re remembering their life, like dias de los muertos in mexico

  • I don’t. I observe it but it’s not like Christmas.

  • I thinks its because, most of us are not using the time as a memorial period, but rather a vacation, which is happy!

    RYC, no white shoes, how about sandles, flip flops or even bare feet! 

  • Memorial Day is the day we HONOR the brave men and women who gave their lives so that all us spoiled Americans can live in FREEDOM. People died so that we could sit in the comfort of our homes and thrash idiots like the BITTER dixie chicken heads who have NOTHING better to do then thrash our government. C’mon Natalie, take a prozac or something, girl!

  • cause were idiots

  • Solomon said, “A time to laugh and a time to weep.”  It’s entirely appropriate to gather with friends and family over the long weekend, fire up the grill, pop open a beer and enjoy.  That’s the freedom our vets gave their lives for.  Nothing wrong with that.  There is however, a time and a need for solemn observance.  We are encouraged to stop at 3:00 pm on Tuesday and observe a moment of silent reflection and appreciation for fallen vets.  Fly the colors half-mast.  Stand when the flag passes.  Express love toward those who’ve lost a vet. It’s entirely appropriate to render honor to whom honor is due with a grief for the loss.  A point of clarification on November 11: Memorial Day honors vets who fell in combat, Veteran’s Day is set aside to honor all vets, living and dead.

  • I think people forget that this is supposed to be a day to remember the soldiers from the past and present and all the things they have sacrificed for us.  They forget that we are supposed to thank them and their families for all they have given.  To a lot of people, it’s just another day off of work.  A lot of people forget that someone has died for all those things they enjoy and all the freedoms they have.  They forget that mothers and fathers have lost their children, brothers and sisters are without a sibling, children are without their parents, husbands and wives have lost their partners.  They forget that somewhere in the world, military men and women are putting their lives on the line not knowing if they will come home again to the people they love. 

    To many people, it’s not “Happy Memorial Day” it’s “Happy let’s have a cook out and get drunk” Day.

  • It is a holiday (at least, where employers allow it to be).

    Would it be a better honour if everyone lamented and rent their clothing all day long?

    I don’t think so.

    Happy Memorial Day!

  • we should say …always remember and never forget…

    maybe we r celebrating the ability to celebrate :)

  • Be happy with the memories of those that have passed before us, think in good terms, and be with family.

  • because we’re happy that people died for our country. and it’s not like you want some one to have a bad memorial day.

  • because we’re all psycho’s

  • Well, wishing someone a happy memorial day doesn’t really have anything to do with the fact that it’s memorial day, just the fact that it’s a day off from school, work, whatever. So they’re really wishing you a happy day off, not many people take memorial day seriously, they’re just excited to get the day off.

  • maybe we try to give them happiness because all there is is sadness on a day like this…so we want them to be happy?

  • i dont wish ne1 a happy memorial day… usually its people wishing me a early happy birthday (my birthday is tomorrow)

  • Habit.  They are happy they can still put flowers on people’s graves instead of others putting them on theres.  A day off.

  • Um…thoughtful question^^ I guess…because people can have a day off  that day…maybe that is why they wish someone a happy memorial day…

  • I don’t, but I wish them a good day with family and friends.

    RYC: You don’t need to photoshop anything, Dan. You’re a handsome guy. Yeah, I saw your pic on IM…don’t even start!

  • Same reason why people say “Happy Easter”.  Easter is just a celebration of someone who died too.

  • Memorial day is the States’ day to remember the veterns and soldiers? We have Veterns’ day and Rememberance day…..our stat holiday was last monday too, Victoria day…don’t ask…but up here in Canada, we do not say Happy ” ” day, we save that for New Years, Birthday and Valentine’s day…..Happy Canada Day?? No…it’s hey! Great day! It’s a holiday!   ’til the next

  • correction, bittersunday, easter celebrates the ressurection of our Lord, not his death!

  • correction, bittersunday, easter celebrates the ressurection of our Lord, not his death!

  • I don’t.

  • oops didnt mean to put two on there

  • I think it’s like a reflex you know if someone jumps at you,you usally hit them.Well it’s more like a holiday reflex becuase you always say happy whatever holiday is goin on.

  • How about “Happy Go Make a Deal on a New or Used Car Weekend”? This may be more accurate anymore. I was surprised that my kid’s Young Marines group didn’t do anything this weekend. Usually they put flags up at a military graveyard.

  • I don’t.

  • Hahaha, I never thought about it that way before.

    I wrote Happy Memorial Day on my last entry I guess because a lot of my friends have the day off of work or school.  But none of us ever think about what Memorial Day’s all about.

  • Because Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. As we remember those who fought for our freedom, we feel privelaged have great pride. Freedom is a happy thing.

  • Yep, pretty wierd to wish someone “Happy Memorial Day.”  I don’t think I’ve ever done it. 

  • death isn’t always a negative thing.  we can celebrate the lives of people who have gone before us to pave the way for the freedoms that we have.  thank God for our Troops!

  • Because I want them to enjoy this day they have off. I think it is important to be happy on the day we remember the fallen soldiers. Otherwise why are we remembering them?

  • I think because- even though it’s a sad thing for people to pass away, they did it honorably, and died for our country, protecting us. It’s a holiday to appreciate the soldiers that laid down their lives for us. I don’t think it’s an absolutely horrible thing to wish someone a happy Memorial Day- but I do think that people take it their freedom for granted.

  • My family doesn’t wish me Happy Memorial Day. They wish me Happy Birthday on May 29.

  • No school!!

    No school!!

    No school!!

  • I do it to wish them a’ Happy BBQ eating , drinking day’ Because thats what most people do today , or yesterday.

  • Two things, no three.

    National holidays are days people typically get together. Barbeques, family, friends, etc etc. The reason for the holiday is the 18 year old son who died in agony, screaming for his mother holding his guts in, but we wish happy memorial day.

    Also, many many people never stop to actually think about why we do anything. Happy memorial day, oh, soldiers? Hay dude, fuck America, fuck Christians, fuck family and god and YOU! Stupid holiday, everything is stupid and im gonna listen to some Marilyn Manson or whatever while bathing in angst. That is an extreme extreme reactionary example of a completely stupid thoughtstream, but Dan, If I can think it, so can teenagers, or the emotionally retarded (like me :P ). So saying happy memorial day is vomiting a sentiment without knowing, while being completely wrapped up in the lame unexceptional drama that is life all over the world with vacuous consumer culture. And being bitter about something missing, which we will never actually know, what is missing, or even that anything is missing!

    This day, fallen soldiers. My great uncle Milton fought in Ghettysburg! He didnt die, but a shitload of other young Americans did, in agony, screaming for their mothers, holding their guts in.

    Never got to have kids, never got to bounce grandkids off the knee, or build a house, or sip tea on a porch with the wifey. Maybe they died thinking of that vibrant girl they hoped to marry when they got back. Maybe that last image in the fading conciousness was that girl, and what could have been, and the squinted eye wasnt in pain, nope, that was a tear coming out of the eye. And now he is dead.

    Happy memorial day!

  • :: hands you a video of saving private ryan::

  • because people have forgotten what memorial day represents or they do not care.

  • not-so-happy for those of us at work…

  • i agree that its probably because most people dont stop to think about it and what it means.

    its funny, not many people are like happy veteran’s day! even though they really are to make you remember that people fight and suffer and die for others every day.

    almost everyone’s just like. its a holiday! or DAMNIT the banks arent open today!

  • I don’t…

  • well to my friends and I we mark memorial day as the somewhat beginning of  summer, or the fact that it is close. You have to remember that all the beaches open up again, and all those summer places begin to open up again. Signs noting the fair is coming all appear around memorial day. To me and a lot of ppl i know we see it has a fun holiday, because school is closed and all the bbq’s. So it all depends on ur age i guess

  • I don’t know. But we wish people a happy Easter, when that is a time to remember that Christ died for humanity.

  • I think it’s b/c most of us don’t really stop to think of the meaning behind Memorial Day.  Ask most people on the street what Memorial Day is for and they probably won’t know.  I don’t think this is so much b/c of ignorance or being oblivious as much as that Memorial Day isn’t built up like other holidays are.  No one makes a big deal about it.  You don’t see billboards or tv ads about thanking or praying for our people in service, or thinking about those who died for our freedoms. 

    For most of us it’s a day off, and little more.  Labor Day is the same thing.  I personally have a really hard time remembering which happens when.  Neither holiday is actively marketed, which means it goes along quietly and then is passed, with little notice other than it being a day off where people swim and have bbq’s.

  • Because we get the day off, definitely!

  • The Number 357 basically explained it.

  • I honestly don’t know. I certainly didn’t wish anyone happy memorial day, nor have I seen anyone wishing that.

    One thing I have wondered is exactly how heartless should it be considered to have a Memorial Day Sale at a store? I mean, I know every holiday is a sale, now, but it seems really superficial when we should be honoring those who have died.

  • …I don’t.

    I’d imagine that any day one would like to say to have a good day, but it would too much work and there would be too much expectation if you say it every day.  Any day in which you get off work is specific.  It even has a special name!  It’s an occasion.  Not a good excuse, but it’s an idea.

  • I thought this same question as I was writing it today and it brings up such a good point.  I think its just that this day is a holiday and most holidays are good things and we wish people well by saying have a happy….

  • Because people would rather be happy than sad, even with somber reminders such as memorial day. A day to remember loved ones lost.

    It’s ok to be proud of those who died. I’m a big fan of celebrating holidays as long as the holiday’s purpose is what’s being celebrated. for example: Christmas and Easter. Celebrate the Birth and Ressurrection of Christ, not Santa and the Easter Bunny.

  • Habit?

  • I never heard of people wishing each other a happy memorial day before.

  • We don’t.

    P.S: Have a crappy-ass memorial day everyone!

  • BBQ

  • i think the real reason is that it is a wish for the holiday weekend/quasi-vacation… many people don’t even think about what the day means, and need to be reminded.

    i will wish someone a good holiday weekend, but not a good Memorial Day ….

  • ur rite why do ppl do that

  • Just to have words come out of our mouths.

    [ariana]

  • good question.

  • Because people are idiots and don’t understand what Memorial Day is.

  • Something to say instead of saying nothing. They didn’t really think that through, though.

  • at least let us be happy for those who died, and lived a life that made a difference.  Hopefully, they can be in a better place now… Hopefully we can all become more conscious re our language…good point!

  • “Happy holiday” might be appropriate.  Otherwise “Happy Easter” might be seen as in bad taste.

    L,r

  • i just jumped on the bandwagon.

  • Mindless folks who don’t consider the implications of the meaning of the day. Like Memorial Day Sales! (you lost your father/brother/sister/mother) Buy a Car and celebrate!

  • It is awkward, but wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day. There is hope on that day for us. We will all come back to life after death, one way of another.  We will get a second, third…etc., chance to know the Lord, even though others have been with Him on the Earth, even now.  Some of us will have just “missed the boat…?”  We might come back as a baby, to a sister, cousin, or other relative, to work out our carma. Or, we might be prayed for, and returned from the dead, by saying the words, “Rise to life, in the name of Jesus Christ,” or something like that.  It is scriptural. I have done it many times myself, and prayed for others to do that, effectively.

  • I dont think its “Happy Celebration of your Fathers death” I think its “Happy Day considering the sad overtones and Happy thoughts be with you as we celebrate the victories their lives went for….like “Happy Freedom Day, those lives were not lost in vain”

  • > It’s holiday and everyone may not be aware of the solemnity of that particular holiday. Good wishes but bad timing. Thanks for the wishes….

    Peace

  • Because it is a pleasant way to sign off other folks!  Sort of a compact,..”Goodby!” :D  

  • My mother died on December 3rd, many years ago. To remember her, because she liked decorating for Christmas so much, I decorate that day, I guess there are positive ways to remember someones “passing”;)

  • I think it is a just a gesture of kindness.

  • Because the majority of people haven’t been in a war… And because Memorial Day is viewed more as a day off from work than a day to honor dead people.  Honestly, I didn’t even know what it stood for until I entered Middle School!

  • because its a happy day to remember with fondness all those who have sacrificed their lives for us. we are greatful

    and thankful. thus HAPPY

  • ummm ummm no idea

  • as a way to commemorate and appreciate those who’ve died to give us our freedom. the freedom that we take for granted is something to be happy about.

  • uhm i dont do that.

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