Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day, a day that we, as a society, honor the memory of those who gave their lives in military service.  I, personally, do not know anyone that has lost his or her life while in service.  At least, not to my knowledge i do not.  But, i am very grateful for those who did give their lives for the freedoms i have today.

However, i am seeing many people on Facebook getting their panties in knots over people who are honoring living veterans and active service members today instead of just those who have died.  Posts like "Memorial Day.  Veteran's Day.  Know the difference."  Really, people?  Is this the biggest thing you have to worry about today?  i suppose i should be grateful that they aren't posting about politicians or Duggars or Kardashians.

Like i said earlier, i cannot think of anyone who i have known personally that was killed in action.  i will definitely honor the lives of all those killed.  But, if i want to honor the people i do know that are alive and have served or are currently serving, what is the problem with that?  The people i know that do serve in the military, i admire greatly.  And if i want to thank them for their service, i will do it.  Why would i want to wait until after they are killed to let them know how much their service in the name of freedom means to me?  That's ludicrous.  It's like waiting until the funeral of someone you know is terminally ill to let them know how much you care.

i totally understand where people are coming from pointing out the literal meaning of Memorial Day.  But let's face it, we rarely celebrate the true meaning of any holiday.  They are mostly only excuses for getting gifts and having time off of work.  So, i say let people celebrate however they like.  i think that telling a living soldier how much they mean on this day is a lot less offensive than the 50% off appliance sale at Sears.

And we should celebrate and honor these people every day.  Not only today.  But, that's life in the good old U.S.A.