[May 26, 2024] Back by popular demand are some essential tips to make sure you don’t embarrass yourself while you observe Memorial Day. If you are young or haven’t had much interaction with Veterans, you might not have been “educated” on the proper ways to handle yourself. Let’s observe Memorial Day and not embarrass ourselves.
[May 30, 2021] I attended an early Memorial Day event at our local county Veterans’ Cemetery yesterday. The wind was cold, yet it was well attended. I was happy to be there and see that the deference to those we honor was conducted respectfully and thoughtfully.
However, I often have folks say, “Happy Memorial Day.” They are just not thinking. Simple things are often misunderstood. Memorial Day is not a happy moment. It is a day of mourning those who gave their lives in defense of our nation. Full stop. I politely educate those who do not know better.
Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Here are some ground rules, sent to me by a friend, that will keep you from a major embarrassment:
- Don’t wish others a Happy Memorial Day.
- It’s not a holiday. It’s a remembrance.
- If you want to know the true meaning, visit Arlington National Cemetery or a local veterans’ cemetery, not Disneyland.
- Attend a Memorial Day ceremony and pay close attention to what everyone is doing.
- Say a prayer for those who have fallen.
- Remember the fallen for all the good they did while they were here.
- Reach out and let Veterans know you’re there; we’re losing too many in “peace.”
- Speak their names. Do not be afraid.
At yesterday’s ceremony, the MC said something I found interesting. It was about Italy and Switzerland. He said that there was a time when wars devastated their lands in the history of Italy, and the brutality was more significant than we can imagine. Yet after those wars came Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Copernicus, Galileo, and many others. It was a period known as the Italian Renaissance. After a similar time in Switzerland came the Cuckoo Clock.
A quote from John Maxwell Edmonds – the author of several celebrated martial epitaphs – is most appropriate. About the fallen at the Battle of Kohima in April 1944, he writes:
“When you go home, tell them of us and say. For your tomorrow, we gave our today.”
War is never good, but it can prevent the spread of evil, much as we saw in the aftermath of World War II. There comes a time when men must fight. At the end of these times often comes enlightenment. Why that is, I do not know. I am a simple observer of history only.
Enjoy this weekend. Yes, it is a time for BBQs, time with family and friends, yet also for remembrance, as well.
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Please read my books:
Great set of “rules,” Gen. Satterfield. ✔✔✔✔✔✔✔
“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”- General Douglas MacArthur. And Gen. MacArthur surely knows from what he says that those who have the courage to stand out and protect our country should be blessed with freedom. Those who do not, have to respect those who do.
Like Gen. Douglas MacArthur and Gen. Doug Satterfield, we all know that respect is a big part of being an American and knowing that without our soldiers, we would not be where we are today. Those who disrespect our Veterans, and there are many political leftists who do, should learn to hold their tongues and keep their stupid opinions to themselves. But if the leftists do talk, they need to remember that the freedom to do so was guaranteed by the US military.
EXCELLENT ADVICE
And please all, enjoy the nice weather for such an important weekend and also please properly educate your children about the military and what Memorial Day is about.
Gen. Satterfield this article is exactly why I keep reading your blog. 😀 Cheers!
… and the Brits too have veterans and the rules of Gen. S. apply there in the UK as it does in Australia and elsewhere.
Aussie, got that right.
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Excellent point, Aussie. Veterans are in ALL countries and regardless of what you think of the politicians (which no one likes anywhere), please please please treat the veterans properly. They fought for their country or at least have raised their hand to put their lives on the line for their countrymen. So, respect them all, regardless of when or how long they served.
While Gen. Satterfield gives us some basic rules to follow on how not to ruin a Memorial Day for veterans and service members, I do think that most of them understand and are not “insulted” by our well-meaning greetings. Military men and women are darn strong folks. They learn that playing the victim, being insulted, and being around dumb people is life and that is what they do. Shake the hand of a veteran on Memorial Day and just tell them you appreciate their service. And, heaven forbid, stand for the American Flag and don’t be a lazy ass and sit on your butt when the parade goes by.
A great set of basic rules. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you, Gen. Satterfield for the reminder. For those not familiar with the US military and our veterans, then please don’t say “happy Memorial Day” because there is nothing happy about it.
Yepper, nothing like making me see the ignorance. i’m not insulted because they simply don’t know any better.
If you want to read about Gen. Satterfield and how he thinks and those in the military think then read his book “55 rules for a good life” and enjoy.
https://www.amazon.com/55-Rules-Good-Life-Responsibility/dp/1737915529/
Just gotta love it. Thanks Willie. I promise I won’t insult you or our vets.
Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Here are some ground rules, sent to me by a friend, that will keep you from a major embarrassment:
1. Don’t wish others a Happy Memorial Day.
2. It’s not a holiday. It’s a remembrance.
3. If you want to know the true meaning, visit Arlington National Cemetery or a local veterans’ cemetery, not Disneyland.
4. Attend a Memorial Day ceremony and pay close attention to what everyone is doing.
5. Say a prayer for those who have fallen.
6. Remember the fallen for all the good they did while they were here.
7. Reach out and let Veterans know you’re there; we’re losing too many in “peace.”
8. Speak their names. Do not be afraid.
This is a great list. I’ll be tapping it on my refrigerator.
“Home of the free, because of the brave.” – Unknown