Honoring the Wrong People on Memorial Day?

Several weeks ago, we paused for a day to honor those who lost their lives in defense of the freedom we all enjoy as Americans. This day is called Memorial Day, and it is celebrated each year on the last Monday of May. For most of us, it is also a day off from work to spend however we wish.

I recently came across a letter to the editor in my local newspaper on the subject of Memorial Day. It was written by a lady who complained about the fact that the paper had carried a story in which the author suggested that people might want to use Memorial Day as an occasion to honor all of their dead loved ones. She argued that only those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country should be honored on Memorial Day. Technically, she is probably right. That’s what the holiday was created for.

However, a narrow and literal interpretation of how to celebrate Memorial Day creates a few dilemmas. I’ve noticed that most people generally honor all military personal – past and present – on Memorial Day. This includes those who died years after being honorably discharged and returning to civilian life, those veterans who are still living, as well as those currently serving in the armed forces. Who are we to tell someone that they can’t honor those brave people on Memorial Day?

Also, if one is to be consistent in their strict celebration of our national holidays, then he or she must make sure that we stop emphasizing the military on Independence Day. Technically, that holiday has nothing to do with the military or anyone associated with it. It is a celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This occurred before the Revolutionary War even began – so what does the military have to do with it?

In addition, a national holiday literalist is obligated to cease and desist from honoring the military dead on Veteran’s Day. That’s right, Veteran’s Day is technically a day set aside to honor living veterans – not the dead ones. Yet those who died in (or following) service to this country are commonly honored on Veteran’s Day. I wonder if the lady who wrote that letter would tell us we are wrong to do so. Actually, I’d bet she does the same.

Comments

[Helena]

Memorial Day, a celebration for all brave men, dead or alive, is more meaningful than just a retrospection to the dead ones. People can be more opened-minded and more personally involved in terms of celebrating holidays. Childdren's Day in some countries, for example. It is thoughtful of some companies to let their employees half a day off to spend the Children's Day with their kids. A holiday without the accompaniment of their parents for small kids means nothing.