Ask Mike: Memorial Day Meaning
Hey Guys,
As you’re no doubt aware, it’s Memorial Day weekend. In the past that meant road trips and weekend getaways. Not anymore. The price of gas has put the kibosh on unnecessary driving. I asked the Answers community how they will spend the long weekend in light of $4 per gallon gas prices.
Most folks wrote that they do indeed plan to stay home and avoid the roads. A few people mentioned that instead of camping, they’ll stay local and take in a movie instead. Still, not all traditions are being thrown out the window. Several responders wrote that they still plan on having a BBQ — even if high food prices are making the celebrations more expensive, too.
Of course, Memorial Day isn’t just about hanging out with your friends — it’s also a day to honor the brave men and women of the military. But then wait — what is Veterans Day for? Is there a difference? Confused, I asked the community for help in distinguishing between the two holidays.
As it turns out, according to the History Channel, Memorial Day is “an important reminder of those who died in the service of their country.” Veterans Day, on the other hand, serves as an honor for all those, “living and dead, who served with the U.S. armed forces in wartime.”
So, while the two holidays may sound the same, there are important differences. And besides, even if there is some overlap, who cares? If anyone deserves two holidays, it’s these guys.
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Memorial Day is for those who DIED…………..I go to Church,,,,a parade,remember those who went before,,,,then go to my local Veterans Organization…see friends,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Introduce the kids to one of the guys who Won the Congressional Medal of Honor..(he wears it on Memeoial Day)…,it changes some of their lives………..and we all eat bar-b-q and drink beer………..
Mike
You are the second person who mentioned about Memorial Day.
The first person did it answers in a poem.
Memorial day is not about hanging with friends.
The friends did not fight to save the country.
Memorial Day to you to me it would be Remembrance Day is about remembering the thousands of women and men who fought to save our country and make it safe to live in.
Also in 1918 Remembrance day got started after the first war
at the 11th hour 11th day of the 11th month.
If you have a cinatath where the wreaths go
that is where they are laid from the different agencies
in respect
Mike perhaps the only difference between memorial day and remembrance day is 6 months but its not of hanging with friends. Go to the service in the army section.
It’s a pity that Memorial Day has lost it’s meaning since it was instituted. I for one am going to Gettysburg to honor those for whom they day was instituted and not to the beach or a cook out. It is not too much to ask that one or two days a year that we should show a little remembrance for those that gave up “all their tomorrows, so we can enjoy all of our todays.”
I will be spending my weekend on the couch watching love stories and thinking about my ex husband.
C you in my Dreams Michael!
Many local cemetaries have clean up days on Monday, Vale here in Schenectady usually does, you can help clean up war vets graves!
It isn’t about giganitic sales either. But for MOST Americans it has dwindled into the “start of summer” because few people take the time or effort to acknowledge the job the military has done in this country. It is sad that the True Hero’s are neglected and forgotten by the oeople who sit in Government.
George W. Bush IS NOT a war hero. His Daddy was though…
Well if a person wants to be stupid, just to get killed than be all means be my guest, and join the military since that’s where you’ll end up over in Iraq. Eventully you’ll lose a limb, or get killed, or have a mental problems where you will never be the same. Sure the military doesn’t tell you that after you get out that they will not help out their ex soliders if they need it. So why should a person support these idiots? I’m not it was their choice in the first place to join the stupid military. I know you may think I’m harsh, and not a very kind person, and that I’m not doing my “American Duty”. Just to put on a fake smile, and wave at our fellow souldiers, and say I hope you have had a fun time being over their. Or what I don’t get is God commanded us not to commite suscide, and if we do we go to hell. Well guess what these idiots are doing they’re commite suscide, and the idiot parents are happy about their son to dye for their country, sounds like to me that they are very selfish. If it was me I would be very pissed off about my son, and, I do have 2 boys that I’m raising, and when they turn 18, and join the military, here comes a letter our son has been killed, I would be very pissed about it, and not proud of it for one bit. It’s Suscide just to let your kids go off, and raised them where you work so hard, and than boom one day that they are dead. It doesn’t make any sense to me at all one bit. What I don’t get is sure if they are old enought to hold a Gun, to kill an inncent person, than they are old enough to drink beer, and to smoke. Just think about it. Yes I know I’m going to get some nasty notes, if you don’t like it than do not respond to what I have to say.; That’s all I have to say.
For me, since I never go on roadtrips over Memorial Day, it means the start of summer. It used to mean the end of school (or almost the end) but I’m no longer in school so work just continues on and on and on all summer. And I have to work Saturdays so it’s not a “long” weekend for me. Basically, I do think about all my uncles (all of whom served in the U.S. armed forces in one war or another), am grateful that my brothers missed being drafted and we haven’t had another war for a long time that requires draftees to serve. I think of all those guys who have died for whatever reason in all wars world wide, think about the women who also served, the families that lost members. Basically, I remember all the pain, suffering and sorrow that war brings to everyone no matter who’s side you’re on.
I tried to post a question, similar to your’s and got a violation. GO FIGURE
I want to stay home and barbeque, more or less that was the question
To those of us who have served as well as the genreations before and after, both days are important. To the person who was so negative about the service, please remember we volunteered to go so those of you could speak so ill of us after we came home to a country that didn’t want us. There are over 200,000 homeless veterans on the streets, right now. That number increases every day. We are the faceless ones you refuse to look at while you shop and drive past in your SUV. We are fathers and sons, mothers and daughters. We serve with Honor, so you can be free.
Signed, SP Davies EN-1 USN ret
I have just read all the comments from people about their take on what Memorial Day means to them. Let me tell everyone what my grandfather and father told me, who were war veterns in War War 2 and Vietnam respectivly, that the land we call home was paved in mens’ blood, that died for the dream of continued freedom of America and that on this special day we need to honor those that layed their lives down so we can have a tommorow in this great land we call America. The United States is not perfect but I’m proud how She produces brave men and women generation after generation preserving our democracy and keeping our hopes and dreams alive. All Americans should find a War vet and do something nice for him or her, even if it’s just shaking their hand and saying thanks for their sacrifices for me and you. I’m a war vet. myself that served in Desert Storm and I still feel great when my friends, famialy, and members of my church call or come by and say thanks for a job well done. So, on Monday find a veteran and make one feel great and appreciated. This is not mine but I hope the writer does not mind that I’m quoting his posting about Memorial Day: The remembrace for all those that gave up ” all their tommorows, so we can enjoy all our todays” Amen.
We should remember, too, those who did not die, but who suffered loss of limbs or poor health (including mental) related to their service, and support them. The living need us more than the dead.
That said, to respond directly to the blog topic, I’ve got a Prius, 55 mpg. I’m STILL paying less for gas than I did 3 years ago.
It doesn’t matter if gas was 5 bucks a gallon, nothing can stop me from going up to Arlington to visit my hubby’s grave. He was killed 3-12-08 and my heart is aching but I am so proud of him. Memorial Day is about honoring those who gave up everything for this country. For the jerk who said joining the military is comitting suicide, you need to keep your mouth shut and learn how to spell.You wouldn’t have the right to say such stupid things if it weren’t for those heroes. It takes a real man to join. My husband is a hero just like the ones who came before him and those who will come after. Let us remember and thank them for allowing us to enjoy the rights we have today. God bless our military. I am eternally grateful for each and everyone of you.
Yes. Both these days are meant to remember those who served the country. I am not sure if people have reached a stage whereby they start to question this service. Have they been right or have they been wrong ? Is it worth it or not ?
It’s a time to reflect upon the service of our men and women in uniform. I’m from a largely military city, and they had a parade-type thing and a ceremony for someone who had been killed in action within the last year. It was very moving.
God bless those serving, and Godspeed to them. May they all come back safe and sound.
Will spend most of my day doing the services for those who have died in Action so people like Annie can have the freedom of speech. As a Veteran I feel it is a duty to do this on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. I had friends die but not in battle which I feel when your time is up the man upstairs is gonna get ya. After the day ends will spend it with my family cooking out.
To me, it’s another paid holiday. Haven’t have a paid holiday since February, 2005. What happenned I got laid off, wrongly. I move from Maryland to Florida because my want to move to Florida so bad. That bad period trying to find a job in Florida. It appears that employers here does not understand the importance of needing to work. When they (employers) need my help, I will never help them. Screw them. Have a happy holiday.
It’s a pity that Memorial Day has lost it’s meaning since it was instituted. I for one am going to Gettysburg to honor those for whom they day was instituted and not to the beach or a cook out. It is not too much to ask that one or two days a year that we should show a little remembrance for those that gave up “all their tomorrows, so we can enjoy all of our todays.”
This person hit the nail on the head with this so- called holiday.
Why don’t road runners to the beach shoot some fireworks to top it off.It’s lost it’s meaning anyway.
I will spend much of it riding my KHS 21 speed mountain bike loving the fact I dun have 2 spend a dime on gas!!
Timothy
well this is a good place to say something that i got in mind for those who it may concern….is a good thing that everybody try to honor who had fight for this country
but lets remember that bullets nukes and tactical millitary attacs is not the only way to attack a country tha most powerfull of all the weapons is ECONOMICS! the main reason that the terrorist attacks happened on the 09/11 on the united states was to affect the economy of this our country we haven’t recover from this yet when we started to see this economics attack on every familly on the usa because the money we are using to fill our cars gasoline tanks can been saved to pay for our kids education or to keep up with our mortgages loans lets be smart and not wast the effort of all those brave men and woman that give their lifes for this country if we can’t avoid driving lets get together whit our friends and share the raid to work or wath is best use a bycicle or walk to work whenever you can plan ahead to get there on time this gasoline guy know we love to drive and they are usin it against us lets do our best to neutralize this attack and please pass this message to as many people you can let’s show them that we still remember and we are still united!.
Our Soldiers: As I sat there during my (only child) 18 year old son’s graduation ceremony last week at Ft. Sill, OK, I looked around at the 213 young men couldn’t help but wonder how many will go to Iraq and not come back. However, the “patriotic pride” that flowed through all the people in the audience made me feel better and less sad. It poured out among the crowd so much that it was simply amazing! These young men are sons, husbands, boyfriends, nephews , grandsons, and brothers of everyone in that audience! As I said, “The pride and patriotism was amazing”! We need to END this war now and bring all of our boys and girls home!!! So on this Memorial Day, please not only remember our fallen soldiers, but also those who are presently serving. Please PRAY for a speedy end to all of ths conflict and for all of our soldiers to return safely! Memorial Day is NOT just a day off from work for some people! It’s a time to reflect on how lucky we are that all of these soldiers fought for us! These young men and women, past and present, served selflessly so that you have the freedom to have that day off! Just an opinion from a mother of a very young Army soldier!
It’s a real shame and an indictment and evidence of our continued regression and irresponsible communication of important historical facts by people such as you “Mike” that some organization like Yahoo that says you are somehow important and represent something with evidence of little understanding or of the facts of something as important as “Memorial Day” as celebrated and remembered in the U.S.
This is so VERY Irresponsible and then to suggest it’s a time to hang out with friends. What a simple minded ignorant response of an answer when stating the meaning of Memorial Day.
Who makes people like you a celebrity of sorts? Then, you have little idea of the understanding of the root importance to our traditions.
I tell you, I didn’t have to learn about Memorial Day on the History Channel. It’s obvious that you obviously were not schooled to the important holidays of this country and their meaning in your home like almost all of us.
It’s people like you that are given mass recognition, and help then to remove and/or water down the importance of our traditions. You obviously have no value of such days as Memorial Day and it’s meaning.
As a 100% Service Connected Disabled Veteran, I can see clearly how significantly insignificant people like you are being made the spokesperson for the masses and what a dangerous precedent this is. What’s sad is there are others like you.
You might as well be burning books, or destroying the content of the National Archives. If you can’t properly represent the true essence of such a question as to what Memorial Day signifies and it’s importance, I suggest you shut your pie-hole and don’t mislead others and make a mockery of the 100s of Thousands of Americans that have died in combat for this country.
It’s just another lousy work day. So my plans are not being affected in any way.And I do not get any extra pay to work the so called holiday.
HAI
TO EVERY BODY,I HOPE WE HAVE TO GIVE IMPORTENCE TO MEMORIALDAY SINCE
IT IS TRUE THAT THEY HAD GIVEN THERE PRESENT DAY FOR OUR BETTER TOMORROW.
WARS MAY COME &GO BUT DEFENETLY HEROS ARE ALWAYS HEROS NOT ZEROS
One is to Remembering the Dead for there sacrifice ; the other remembering the living who sacrificed and were willing to die if need be . so WE are to honor them for there efforts for the common good on behalf of the community .
Well I don’t normally do much that weekend, I used to participate in a Memorial Parade in town every year as a Girl Scout, and then later on I always walked with the parade. At 38 weeks pregnant this year my husband and I will probably stick around, relax, and reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day. I’ve always spent that day in reflection and always will. I plan on walking with the parade again next year.
the vets would turn over in there graves, if they saw how this country is run by big oil companies. If we ever needed to declare war, It should be against the oil companies, which are the true EVIL in this world
When I was young, we called it Decoration Day. We did not take trips or have cook-outs. We went to the cemetery and decorated the graves of our loved ones. I guess this is just another tradition that has seen better days.
Emma-I hope you will never have to feel the pain of losing a child, regardless of the circumstance…if your sons grow up to want to defend this country, I hope for them that their mother can get off her high horse and show them the pride they deserve. You are ignorant and mean and if YOU had nothing nice to say about all those young men and women who are dying every day to protect the right of people like you to run their mouth the way you do, then you shouldn’t have said anything at all. As much as I don’t like your attitude right now, I would never wish for someone to disrespect YOU or YOUR SONS after you die, the way you just disrespected so many. Have fun at your memorial day sales shopping spree, and try not choking on your burger and hot dogs…
I work in a hospital, and I will be there working on Memorial Day. No festivities for me, but I will keep our service men and women in mind.
please demand a count of the vets who have come home and died on american soil.
maybe walk the streets or take a bus and find teh homeless vietnam vets those in between and the 200,ooo currently returning homeless vets and give them some
hope and help.
donate to help build a shelter for disabeld female vets
on what’s been reduced to “picnic day”
make sure its not developed as just another drunk tank.
there are no holidays for the homeless.
no help fro multi disabled homeless who are nsc or not rated high enough to afford to do most social and housing services themselves.
institution or the road thats where many vets fail.
ask congress to fund transitional accessible shelter outside the failing local social systems!
contact crippled_creek@yahoo.com if you seriously want to help make this happen
Were not going anywhere! lol it used to be a nice weekend just to see the family, because we live in another state, but gas is too expensive, it is no longer a luxury we can afford, as well as many other things, since gas has effected everything. I dont care what the statistics say. GAS CONSUMPTION HAS DROPPED. We have cut our gas fill-ups to one-two times a month, and that is only for work, and buying groceries thats it! and almost everyone I know has made these same adjustments, because were not rich like the politicians, we cant afford these prices anymore
First off “happy memorial weekend to everyone and have safe one too”!
I remember when I was around 12 years old my brother was DRAFTED into the army.He or my parents had NO choice of whether he was able to go or not.They came to our house scooped him up and away they went never seeing my brother again.
Yes we talked on the phone and cried & laughed but theres nothing like being together.Those people could give a rats behind how we felt as long as they had what they wanted.
20 years went by before we actually were able to find out that my brother was stationed in germany and had a wife & family.God what I would give to see them!
Today I pray that if,just if we had a choice back then what change could it have made.
Some say that you have a choice to join.My brother did NOT have a choice,so to say that if you decide to go knowing you will either lose your life or a limb is just YOUR opinion.
Now I talk to my brother every couple days simply because he is retired and disabled (heart problems)NOT losing a limb or his life during combat!
He has his life and I support whatever he does!
I have not seen him but we plan to on Thanksgiving if & when his wife will have their 4th child.
I do wish you all a very safe weekend and by all means, take other peoples feelings into consideration.
O wow we just go swimming in our backyard and eat bbq and just relax outside.We dont really want to go to Carowinds because its crowded on Memorial Day weekend,and that it takes a lot of gas to get there. We might go to Price Park or The Covered Bridge just because its not that far away.
I am wondering where Sandie gets the idea that her brother was pressed into service by being drafted.
Nobody scoops you up, you first get a physical and a mental test, some never made it to boot camp they were just not qualified. Some never qualified in boot camp and were sent home too.
Drafted men only had to serve 2 years then were released from active duty, the only reason her brother must have stayed in was because he wanted the military retirement. If he decided to live in Germany that was his decision, too.
As far as Memorial Day is concerned it evolved out of ‘Decoration Day’ started in New York for all those who died in the Civil War, decorating the graves of the dead and was not mandated by Congress as a federal holiday until 1967, for all the men and women that had died in all the wars.
While Veteran’s Day, was Armistice Day, the end of World War I and was changed to Veteran’s Day by Congress in 1938, it honors all veterans that are still living or serving our country right now.
grading finals and homework, watching TV, reading a book
relaxing
go somewhere not very far (nothing open really on Memorial Day)
I’ll just copy my blog:
Before the Apparently Hopeless Battle
What is he that wishes to die? If we are marked to die, we are bound to do so, to our country’s loss. And, if to live, why then to the fewer men, the greater share of honor. God’s will! I pray you, wish not one man more. By Jove! I am not covetous for gold, nor care I, who feeds upon my cost. I yearn for nothing, if men, my self-same uniform wear. Such outward things dwell not in my desires. But, if it be a sin to covet honor, I am the most offending soul alive.
No, have faith in the cause and wish not a man more. God’s peace! I would not lose so great an honor, as one man more I think, would take from me the best hope I have. O, do not wish for one more! Rather proclaim it through the ranks, he who has no stomach for this fight, let him depart! His passport shall be made and money for transport put into his pocket. We would not die in that man’s company that so fears his fellowship as to die with us.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home, will stand tall when this day is named.
And it so arouse him at the name of this place that he, who shall live this day and see old age, will yearly go to the vigil feast of his neighbors and say, “To-morrow is the day.”
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars and say, “These wounds I had on this day.” Old men forget; yet, if all else shall be forgot, he’ll remember all the better what feats he did that day. Then, shall our names be familiar in his mouth as household words
and in their flowing cups, freshly remembered.
This story, shall the good man teach his son; and the day, this day, shall never go by, that our deeds here, not be sung. For from this day to the ending of the world, we who lived or died in this battle shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me, shall be my brother. Be he ever so vile, this day shall gentle his condition. Other men shall think themselves accursed that they were not here, and hold their manhood’s cheap while any speaks that fought with us upon this day.
Rewritten and updated from Shakespeare (Henry V. act IV. Scene iii – extracted)
Just one other note:REMEMBER THE ALAMO!
at LAST that country will stop polluting the planet! Use your FEET or a BIKE to go around! I knew one American, who drove for 2 min to his work every day! At last these people are FORCED to become decent, real and apprehensive!
its a big drinking weekend of partysand cookouts and what ever els …cops set up checkpoints to get thier quota since its the end of the month …..it lost its meaning of a actual holiday who morns when the temp is 75 – 80 and sunny ….It should mean what the holiday stands for people should be at home and the cemetaries should be packed respecting the dad …Memorial day needs to be switched with Valentines day …better yet make it the same day since the guys get ripped off anyway
I was under the impression that Memorial Day was one day where we honored ALL of those that have passed on before us.
Wreaths,bouquets and single flowers are in big supply in most Grocery Stores and Department Stores weeks before Memorial Day not only for sale but as a reminder of what this day is about.
Take flowers to that one special friend who was called to another journey before you. Take flowers to that parent/sibling that you miss so very much.
Take a moment and think of those you no longer have in your life today and honor their memory.
Mike,
Good writeup on Memorial Day. Here is an in depth look at what the day is about. A view that few people get to see.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/special-reports/final-salute/
So lets hear from you “Mike” How will you be spending the holiday? I think I have changed my plans to a campout in my backyard! and enjoy the freedom that we have. Im Memory of those who fought for our freedom today!
maybe just one movie 
Please take a lot of time to remember all of our troops who are serving now and especially those who served before who made it possible for us to be able to have the Freedom to enjoy this weekend.
I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Holiday and remembers why we have the holiday.
we are staying home this year the gas price are out of this world. it is hard enough to get to work that we can’t go or do anything else. hope that everyone has a happy holiday.
To Tapestry In California,
You said you dont know where I got the idea that my brother was drafted well let me say first: HE WAS DRAFTED AND HE HAD NO CHOICE!
2nd, he was only 18 years old.
3rd, My mom & dad both begged that he stay and again they said NO!
Don’t tell me that he had a choice because he just didn’t ~~period.
I don’t know how old you are but apparently not old enough to know that NOW it is different!
Yes after meeting his wife HE chose to live in germany,I never said they made him!
Have a safe weekend!
The price is the result of OPEC dominance taking advantage of the War against terrorism with the help of greedy olco’s that feed off what OPEC makes possible. High Prices are not based on free trade when increasing production( of crude exports requested twice this year by Bush43) gets summarily turned down!
Well, I live in San Diego, CA hoping it would be the typical hot weekend to celebrate, but it’s apparently going to be cloudy and rainy all weekend, so on top of the gas prices, I’m really not enthusiastic about doing anything special. It just feels like any other weekend to me this year.
Well in Australia it’s $1.50AUD per litre.
Isn’t it a shame that those same people fighting for our freedom today make so little that they are standing in the free food lines, most get food stamps and wic and can’t even afford to drive to the movies or the beach for a day.
i cant afford to go anywhere and very poor i dont even know how im gonna make it i have another baby on the way if gas keeps going up im gonna lose everything and i see it all the time people are loseing their jobs left and right and moveing back home welfare wont help you
Remembering my friends who died in combat and wondering,still, why not me?
Brave men all- our Nation’s best.
Remembering my friends who did not come out of combat, and wondering still why I did. Brave and honorable men, all. Our Nation’s best.
I’ll be spending Memorial Day sleeping in, doing some things around the house, then going to work Just because it’s Memorial Day doesn’t mean that everyone gets the day off.
Oops. I forgot to add that I will take a moment to send good wishes to those who affected somehow in the military whether it’s having a loved one currently serving overseas, has died, or has been injured. I don’t think it’s bad to want to travel and be with friends on the holiday, but I also feel that there shouldn’t be a holiday to “make” everyone remember those who are serving or have served in the military. Ideally, people should willingly think of those people on a regular basis as the people in the military put their behinds in the line of fire for us. That also being said, I really hope that our troops come home safe and sound really soon.
Memorial Day — It used to mean parades and standing on the tarmac, marching to the martial music. It used to mean prayer for our service men and women — for those who had fallen and for those still fighting the good fight. It used to mean going to the cemetery taking flowers that were read rather than plastic, taking time to gratefully demonstrate our national appreciation for their sacrifice for our sakes, in prayer, in remembrance of the all too short a time we got to be together, a time to share with the children the meaning of love, of sacrifice, of values worth preserving and even worth dying for . . . in more innocent, more honest times.
Now-a-days people complain about the price of gas — rather than the price of the war in men, women and material. This weekend I hear people who are more concerned about their conspicuous consumption driving in their shiny new Hummers and SUV’s and complaining about the cost of gas that has risen in price for this weekend to $4.15 and still climbing than they are about a government that sends its youth into harms way without body armor. People are more concerned about the slab of meat on the grill than they are about the forty seven millions of people — men, women and children — who will starve to death this year alone.
My nation has undergone a huge shift in the span of my lifetime. I am afraid that we have forgotten our souls. We have lost them in the glut of our appetites and our shortsighted greed. Those who fail to remember their history are doomed to repeat it — endlessly. In Memoriam. . . for those who served so selflessly for those who have no memories and no conscience.
I went on a road trip yesterday. All the way from Arizona to Long Beach, we stopped for gas, maybe, three one time on the way there ( about 350 miles to and from, 6 hours ) and stopped for gas two times on the way back. We went to the ones that had $3.00 gas. So if your a cheapo, you’ll get gas for a cheaper price.
Memorial Day is to honor the ones that have lost their lives fighting.
I will be staying home
I am a military veteran and I have always spent the holiday weekend at home with family and friends. I usually set back and thank all of the military members that have helped to protect this great country. I would like to send my blessings to all the military members past and present. It’s very sad that people can’t afford to visit memorial sites and family due to gas prices.
Mike,
Memorial Day should honor the memory of all Americans, whether they served in the military or in some other important function. American culture seems to have peaked and ebbed in regard to military veterans. In today’s culture, they get a lot of lip service and a lot of empty promises. When I was serving, we got valuable GI Plan benefits but less public praise. The more conservative environment we have today does a lot of flag waving while it turns a deaf ear to veteran’s issues. Veteran’s Day is, and should be more focussed on honoring military personnel who have served and often died serving our country. The History Channel has the right general idea, but they don’t have much historical perspective in their opinion piece. Perhaps this will help to clarify it.
THE PRICE OF GAS IS HIGH BECAUSE OF THE AMERICANS ON WALL STREET, NOT THE OIL PRODUCER. WE GET THE BIGGEST PART OF OUR OIL FROM MEXICO AND CANADA NOT FROM OVER SEAS.
DUDE
Memorial day is a day taken aside from the rest of the hectic week to be used as a day of rememberance for our veterans, P.O.W.s, and other people who have done a great deal of service to our country.
HIGH GAS PRICES SHOULD NOT STOP ANYONE FROM HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED!!!
you know who wants us to stay home??? the communists who own the gas corperations want us to forget about those who are dear to us, and by not doing anything, you are obeying these communist a**holes who want nothing more than to continue hitlers beliefs. not honoring those who served is just plain UNAMERICAN!!!!! (movies are doing something WATCH A MOVIE WITH SOMEONE WHO SERVED AMERICA)
We took a three day “At Home Vacation”….meaning we will make our house our home base, and still plan fun activities for the week end.
So far, we have had a BBQ with friends, spent the evening until the wee hours of the morning at the casino. We went to the movies, and are planning a swim party tomorrow with a fun group of friends.
We have discovered that you can have a super fun vacation without leaving your home town. Our money goes a lot further.
One clue……turn off your phone just as if you were not home. Heck! We even had time to visit and talk with each other……something that we haven’t had time to do for quit a while.
Hey, well my family is not doing anything special for Memorial’s Day. I’m fifteen by the way. Tomorrow on Monday though I am going to be marching with my high school band for the parade. It will be a fun – and extremely hot time. But I’m glad I do have the chance to do it.
My dad is supposed to be in the parade to since he is a veteran and has in the Iraq war. But…he won’t be joining us as he’s in California.
Sadly, he and his unit are supposed to be going back to Iraq sometime around September supposedly. It makes me sad but not too sad because I know he’ll be alright.
That’s why I want our high school to be excellent in this somber parade. I know first hand how important it is to be supportive of those in the military. Those who come back from the war are very tramautized to a degree us civilians can’t understand because we’re not over there.
My dad has showed be pictures of Iraq. And he’s even gotten a chance to go to Saddam Husseins palace before it got blown up.
I think two of his friends died in the war and I think it upsets him quite a bit.
Tomorrow for me will be a day of celebrating and honoring those people.
Afterwards, my mom plans to have a cookout for just her and I and maybe we’ll get a phone call from my dad.
I hope your Memorial Day is as awesome as mine.
Memorial Day is also to remember the police and fire fighters who died while in the line of duty. My dad was a firefighter as were my uncle, grandfather, great grandfather and as cousin. Grandfather was also a police officer. Each and every Memorial Day we gathered at both the fire and police departments in our town for a dedication and placing of a wreathe on a momument. I take nothing away from the veterans but we need to remember those who died protecting our communitites not during a war.
staying close to home and hanging with fam & maybe a few friends.
chillin.
myspace.com/calmedcooled
hanging with fam & friends. I won’t burn a whole lot of gas. myspace.com/calmedcooled
we are sitting as still as possible. I am tired of paying the oil executatives over 3 million dollar salaries, and 4 million dollar retirement packages, while they do nothing but sit back and watch those who are less fortunant, and those on fixed incomes eat nothing but hotdogs and beans as their meal. This fall and winter will be much more gruesome, because of the high gas prices, you will see the elderly dieing, because they will have to choose between medication, food and gas. You will also see children dieing as well due to the same choices that the famalies will have to make.
The oil exec’s. are very proud of themselves, and what they have done to us and our economy. Our dollar use to be backed by gold, now it is backed by oil, and this is why our dollar is weak.
A large supply of oil is was found in the gulf, one of the largest finds ever, and this would make us less dependant on forein oil, but are we drilling….no…..the liberals (democrats) don’t want this, the liberals are also the reason that we are not drilling in ANWAR.
The current democrat controlled congress ran on the same slogan Obama is using….Change…. well we got change alright, homes in foreclosure, weak dollar, higher gas prices, higher food prices, an economy that is just leading us to another depression. I don’t know about you, but I do not want any more of their change. We just can afford it!
“As you’re no doubt aware, it’s Memorial Day weekend. In the past that meant road trips and weekend getaways. Not anymore.”
Not what it was intended to be. Quite happy that it’s not anymore. Family, friends and fine memories, that’s what it means to me.
Well all I can say is that we have to deal with this high price gas and has anyone bother to write to Lansing letting there voices be heard. The whole United States always complain about gas prices to high, food to high, winter to cold, summer to hot! Do any of you vote at all and stop complaining. This is what we have to live with an all you can do is get your food &bar-b-que and enjoy the holiday!
The gas prices really are not that high, if you think about it in Europe they pay $11 dollars a gallon on theirs. I don’t understand why people are complaining so much about it, I’d be grateful.
I will sit with my son-in-law, just back from Iraq and let him remember those he saw die fighting for our country.
I will remind him of all our brave men and women who served and died for the U.S.A.
We will talk about great grandfathers, grandfathers fathers, mothers and all who fought and died for our country.
Not for the oil execs who destroy our country and live like rich foreigners driving us into the ground like third world countries while just like every other leader they show propaganda making us look like we are all rich and selfish when if the truth be known, they have done no better by a lot of us than leaders of oppressed countries. They hate us because they think we have all become rich in our “land of opportunity.”
They did not fight and die for political campaigns that tear down what should be an election of the people and only the people. Not a disgusting battle of who did what wrong.
Not for a congress that decides how we live even if it goes against all reasoning and not for a president who waits until the last half year of his service to try to make himself look like a better person so he can write books and add to his riches or continue to deal with other countries in ways that harm us and we find out later.
No, the ones who fought and died did so for a purpose and that’s to defend the freedom our our country.
For every individual who wants the right to live not in riches but at least out of poverty.
They fought and died for all of those who did so before them because they too believed in our country and what she has to offer as well as SHARE with other countries in order to keep them from starving and not sell weapons to countries that want to destroy other countries.
No, we won’t travel our beautiful U.S.A. to see all of her wonders because her wonders have become tarnished by the rich and powerful as they continue to drain us more and more by withholding that which we need.
Our once proud soldiers drop tears down on this country and they shake their heads in wonder as to why they had to die?
Remember, they died for you and me. Take a few minutes out of your day to brush off the negative on Memorial Day, and remember those who died for their bravery in defending what they believed in. The United States of America and her love of the people.
Memorial Day will be a day to be honored and respected because of all those who have given us the luxury to be free.
And while reading all the posts, I’ll just add that our own government has done this to us….. as always they control the economy and everything else.
Although everything is going through the roof, I just try and remind myself, that many made it through the great depression, and so will we.
Just the same… Have a wonderful holiday! (I too have a son who served in afganistan.
We’ve never really gone out for Memorial Day Weekend, but we plan on going to the local amusement park, weather permitting. These prices are just ridiculous though!
I spent this pre-Memorial Day driving 2.5 hrs each way to play football with my Son who has just rejoined civilian life this month after spending 8 yrs in the Army and having 2 tour of duties in Iraq. One was for 9 months and one was for 15 months.
I drove a 13 yr old car with brakes smoking all the way there and all the way home. The engine light was on the whole way there and back and I had to pull over every 10 minutes or so to let the brakes cool off.
I’ll admit I was scared but not nearly as scared as he must have been being fired at on the battle field last Christmas.
I make less than 10G a yr so gas prices have hit me hard with a second mortgage on my home but I must say the 9 hrs I spent with my Son, having FUN, appreciating him as a person and rejoicing in his being free and alive now was worth every minute and every penny!
It was a great early Memorial Day Celebration for me.
I decided to do the one thing I haven’t had an opportunity to do since August of last year: STAY HOME!!! I’m not doing a thing and I love it.
Memorial Day is strictly reserved to honor Americans that died in service of our country.
My plans are to no go anywhere if I can avoid it. It’s terrible how Bush is putting it to us so hard before his final term. Not only will we be paying the Bush family a nice retirement forever, we are also padding their great, great, great, great grandchild’s pockets with Halliburton money.
The oil industry has seen some very bad lows and I remember the day oil went to $7.50 a barrel. I lost my job. Now, rig hands are making good money and the oil man is in the lap of luxury. For now…
This too shall pass; however, do we really believe fuel prices will decline?
Personally, I feel we will be lucky to see any price less then $3.25 a gallon for the next 9 months.
Election time is here people and we need to wake up. Although Bill Clinton was a sucky president, however, the prices of fuel stayed within reason.
A recession is on its way and we better get ready for it.
Pay yourself first. Always, pay yourself first.
Stock up on dry goods, frozen veggies and the like. We are headed down. Be ready. Be happy with what you have. Above all. DO NOT SPEND MONEY YOU DON’T HAVE TO! Now that I have totally side tracked on my post please let me say……
The most important thing is….I thank the men and women protecting us. My deepest gratitude to those who have fallen for each and every one of us. Give a special prayer for families of those who have died for us to be able to post a comment and say what we feel.
My deepest Thanks, Honor and Love to all these brave men and women who allow me to be free.
I had a cookout at my house. I supplied the food, the beer, and the entertainment. I am fortunatr enough that I had a few extra dollars this year and decided to treat my family and friend ( who are all local) to a great day at my house. Gas prices are retarded and I couldnt see going anywhere that required traveling a long distance. I had 60 people at my house today and they all had a blast. I am so glad I decided to do it. Everyone is now gone so I went on Youtube and checked out some videos that have been dedicated to our troops and that is how I paid my respect to them. I give thanks to the men and women who have died for our country who have given me the opportunity to pay 4.00 a gallon for gas.
Well, I have never been this lonely… For the last five years I was always around with my shipmates on this special occasion. it could have been much better if I had decided to stay overseas where my shipmates are all around close. Back here my budget does not allow me to travel far … in the light of current gas crisis to meet friends and I don’t have relatives here close enough at my current station as well. But all is good, I have time to reaccess myself though to getting to a better bearing of life. Hope that next Mermorial day could be special where I have firends all around. V/R
Depressed- having girl problems
Am I the only one that finds some of these answers (re: communists, et al) disturbing?
I’m not traveling anywhere, but frankly I didn’t realize it was a long weekend until last Thursday. I’ll admit it was odd when I had to pick a family member up from the airport and the roads were quite deserted.
Increased gas prices and inflation have had no significant impact on my life. I have always been cheap, and that hasn’t changed one bit.
But is Memorial Day intended to honor vets who died serving during an active war or all vets who died while enlisted/commissioned? I thought it was M day was especially for those who were killed or missing in action or POW. We still have V day for all other Vets, living and dead.
FYI-middle east gas costs 45 CENTS a gal!!!
I take off my hat, place my hand on my chest, and say a prayer for all those serving, those that have served, and those that have passed on.
Also, I shake my head at the fact that there still are people that will argue and complain here in the blogs over such an honorable topic.
By the way, Mike, you’re still doing a great job. Pay no attention to the complainers. They’re a very small percentage, and we shouldn’t try to appease them, for they are rude, inconsiderate, disrespectful, and arrogant. If they don’t like Y!A so much, then they should leave.
GOOD JOB, MIKE!!!!
I wanted to drive to chicago to visit my immediate family. It did hurt a lit emotionally that I’ve come to the point where it’s not worth breaking my pockets. It’s getting very difficult to stay positive but in light of the holiday, I do have other family more locally to have fun with and saying a praying for those that have passed on for our country hasn’t changed no matter how high the prices of gas are.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25044902@N08/2522208371/sizes/o/
good job mike
keep going
High gas prices?……..ya, so what. Try giving up something else in your life to make up for it. Example: dont go out to eat twice a week, quit smoking, have fun in your own back yard instead of having to feel the need to go thousands of miles away. (you bought your home….now enjoy it!) Its really not that big of a dilemma!!!!
I going hiking!
WOW! Please forgive me if I sound uninformed, but isn’t civics taught in elementary school any more? I mean, by some standards I’m considered old. However, we knew the differance between Veterans Day and Memorial Day by 5th or 6th grade. Perhaps the dumbing down of America is real.
My fiance and I are both in the army and my dad is a vet. It cost us $120 and a 5 hour drive to be able to spend the weekend with him but family comes first, no matter what the cost. As far as the point of the holiday… I have several FRIENDS that I have served with that are now deceased thanks to this war. I think about them every day not just today because its a holiday and we’re supposed to.
Vacation closer to home.
Dubya asking Saudis(the fine folks behind 911) to pump more oil so Americans can take their frivolous little road trips is disturbing.
Do what people did in the OLD DAYS.
Put your fun money in the hands of local tourist industry..
Don’t have to drive 500 miles.
nice goin mike. you are one of the few left on this stinking earth that still cares about our veterans and those at war that risk their lives for us every single day and yet are concerned about how hard some of us have to work for every thing we have, that every single thing that we do have hasn’t been handed to us on a silver platter. someone has our money in their pockets due the gas shortages, gro.s are thru the roof and there are those (ones with the silver spoon in their mouth)that just don’t have a clue or should I say just don’t give a D— about what’s going on as long as they have there’s. God Bless you and those like you and keep up the good work. Cheers to mike on this Memorial Day. You made mine.
GREAT job MIKE my uncle was in the army,he
died when only 5 years old.GOD bless american
and i agree, it is specifically for the military only–a few years ago we had some radio stations announcing how they should honor fallen police, and fire fighters, and teachers, as hero’s—maybe they should —but the wrong holiday—military only —got it radio stations—military only–on memorial day –it used to be called flag day, back in the 50′s—i personaly feel one day is not enough –they should make the whole week end memorial week end–not just the one day..saturday sunday and monday–all 3 days are a holiday—-c’mon these men and women gave their lives –they deserve more
I stayed home and started a vegetable garden.This is a lot of work but it isn’t as hard as toting a rifle in a Foreign Country.By the way,Paying Respect costs nothing-I think Americans have totally forgotten the concept of this Holiday that I remembered living abroad for 30 years.I plan to stock up on things like Thai rice-don’t forget there are rice shortages.Do you like that Thai rice? Yummy and nutritious–It is dissapearing off the shelves up North in Mass.I am used to food shortages,General Strikes and no utilities but in America we take so much for granted.Maybe people should live in the real World-and I am happy to have on half of my life in the 20th Century.Put down your Blackberry for a day-can you?I woke up to the sound of the birds all chirping and nothing else.I savoured every minute.We have to stop…think and we need better Workers’ Rights-How do you cook when you work 60 plus hours a week-There is no magic bullet for energy -we need to stop being stressed by the Status Quo.I don’t think things are going to get better and that could have been avoided.Americans didn’t ask for what is happening right now-the poor get poorer and the Rich -well they just build a Hedge Fund.The Extra Money that was sent in the form of the Tax Rebate will for most-go on gasoline and everytday needs.I pay attention to prices and see 20 cents or more on items I bought the week before-Everything in this Country is Trucked in and if you love junk food-you’ll be paying dearly.I stopped getting drinking water delivered as I have a well that’s not good for drinking.I just buy up the bottles at the market and look for sales.I would recommend buying a large freezer if you have the room.
Happy Memorial Day
You go Mike-being on a very limited budget-I try and make as many of my stops on one outing–a barrel of oil now is over $125.00 -wait till gas is 7.00 a gal. which is expected by the end of the summer-
But this day IS FOR REMEMBERING ALL THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES SOTHAT WE CAN HAVE THE FREEDOMS WE DO, AND I FOR ONE, WILL BE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL—
its the start of the summer trips picnic boating in genarl a fun day for all.now that gas is so high.(and i feel its the grov.that is causing it all) were lucky if we have enough gas to get back and forth to work let alone take a trip for fun
I stayed at home on the comupter.
I LOVE YOU MIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GooD JOB!!!!!!
I was inspired by some of these comments. Especially the 15 year old who’s dad is serving now and she is marching in her band for her school, hoping her dad can call her mom and her on Memorial day. Her pride is planted by her loving, loyal parents. God bless them all!
Also, by the dad who’s son is a soldier with a family and dad drove 2.5 hours away to be with them..all the time with a beater car struggling to keep going on the trip home. His $10k/year didn’t stop him from keeping his priorities straight. Family is what this is all about.
My husband spent 23 years in the Army. Vietnam two times..Lots of death, cold, heat, hunger and lonliness. I put up a big poster our grandaughter made of his career in our front yard. We have two large USA flags flying. I gave my husband two cards thanking him for his sacrifice for us. Our kids out of town call him to thank him, Those nearby are coming over with pictures drawn by the little ones. We love our Hero and we want the world to know it.
As for our country, we believe, love it or leave it! If you love it, vote, fight for it, speak up, support those in office, work to change what you don’t believe in. ’nuff said, God blessed America. Let America bless God.
Yes, Veteran’s Day is for all veterans who served, and Memorial Day is to honor those who gave their lives for out country. However, you didn’t mention the origin of Veteran’s Day. Veteran’s day started out as Armistice Day after World War I. The armistice that ended that war was signed on November 11. That is how Veteran’s Day started.
HIMIKE IreMBER MY DAD?
I WISH I COULD GO TO THE CEMETARYTO PUT FLOWERSON THE HEAD STONE?
Hey Mike…
Just wanted to leave a comment saying actually how cheap American petrol (gas) is.
I mean, here in England, its around £2.80 per litre. And as you probably know their are five litres in a gallon. So it would cost you around eleven to thirteen dollars to get a gallon, over here.
So if i were in America, i would be spending the time travelling because your fantastic gas is just so darn cheap!
Love
Daisy
xxxx
I decided to come in to the office and do a little work, and then some barbecue later.
To Address some of the things I’ve read here let me say that Flag Day still exists it is June 14th, Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day, it was the day that people would begin tending the graves of their families and loved ones after the winter.
The name of the holiday and some of the meaning was changed after World War 2, when EVERYONE had a friend or relative die in the war, so most of the graves that where being decorated, where those of fallen soldiers who had sacrificed theirs lives for our country. The holiday is still meant to visit and decorate the graves of all, but with an emphasis on those who gave their lives for their country. That is why it is separate from veterans day.
I have no graves to clean and decorate with flowers and mementos, but I took a monment to pray for the dead and another for the living.
A happy holliday to all!
very relaxing day off:) I watched the MD shows and cried on most of them…I am not hit personally with the seperation of a loved one being away at war but I do feel the pain around me…because of gas prices I wasnt able to go visit family which to me is VERY upsetting..I just always feel like I need to save because I need the gas to last for work during the week…Its very sad that gas prices keep you home and away from family…now i know how the troops feel…
gas is over 4 dollars here..
Got on this new website that claims to pay for your fuel. PAIDFUEL.COM
I stayed home and planted trees. My husband installed hardwood floors. We live at the beach. We left the boat at the dock. We cooked out with family.
honestly memerial day to me means rembering all those soldiers that have past away in combat.we should all apriciat that u.s army,u.s coast guard,u.s navy,u.s marines an last but not least the u.s air force.i hope everyone had a blessed day
happy memoreal day
this gas price thing where everyone is stocking up reminds me of Y2K… it didn’t happen like they thought, was just scare tactics…
I rode my bike to avoid high gas prices. thanks for the informative post. i had a friend who was wonder what the holiday was about excatly and this is was the perfect way to explain it to her.
I would hoard gas like a madman and take a serious trip with my boat.
4 dollars is exactly 40% of the price we are paying for gas c. ..and a nominal price we haven’t seen on this side of the Atlantic since 1986.
4 $ a gallon is dirt cheap for a commodity that ought to be precious. Even 10 $ does not really pose much of a problem for most of us who were fortunate enough to be born in the developed world. Unless , of course, you have stocked up on 3 + monster SUVs
hey ppl just thought that if your i pod gets locked and you dont know your 4 digit combo just pluge it into your computer and un-pluge it and it will un lock!
My car has very good gas mileage. I tool a trip from Atlanta, GA to Florida beach for 4 days.
The beaches were packed with tourists from all over the country, which means that people don’t care about gas prices as much as they should, and are still taking their SUVs and MiniVans to drive cross-country.
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a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Bless you!
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Aw, this was a very nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to make a great articleÂ… but what can
I sayÂ… I hesitate a lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.
At this time I am ready to do my breakfast, afterward having my breakfast coming again to read other
news.