May 29, 2004

Whose day is it?

As we were driving south on Main yesterday, we passed a cemetary. Many cars were parked and people were milling around, some obviously looking for a particular stone, others just browsing. C, my eight-year-old, asked why so many people were there. I then explained that this is Memorial Day Weekend. "Memorial Day" (or "Decoration Day" as it was once called) was set aside as a day to remember those who gave their lives in service to this country; people place flowers at the graves of those who died in wars. Many people have; however, made it into a time to remember anyone who has died.

C thought for a moment and then asked why people have "stolen the holiday from the veterans?" I can sometimes be a rules girl (note, sometimes, Kris). And, in truth, it has bothered me a tiny bit that we can't just let the dead receive a day of recognition for dying in battle and service to this great nation. I know that people have good intentions (obviously, they are trying to honor the memory of a loved one) as my good friend Kris always tries to point out to me (and has most recently in this post). But I admit to thinking the same thing that my eight-year-old does: why not let those for whom the day was made keep it as unique to their sacrifice and let's take another of the other 358 non-major holiday days to place a wreath or bouquet in rememberance of our family members?

Baldilocks has some very good thoughts here.

Posted by Rae at May 29, 2004 01:52 PM | TrackBack
Comments

Saturday afternoon driveby :)

Hope you're having a good one!

Posted by: Ith at May 29, 2004 03:04 PM

Well, that is interesting. I just got back from the cemetary myself. 2 sisters, 1 daddy and 1 granny that my mom and I tend over there.


First, we go on every Saturday that we can get together. Saturday isn't a holiday - it's Saturday. We went today because we didn't want to go on "Memorial Day". It is a holiday weekend but today isn't the holiday - so I think I didn't commit any faux pas. :-)

Posted by: Rosemary the Queen of All Evil at May 29, 2004 04:06 PM

Absolutely not, HRH. You choose to honor your family on one of the other 358 days of the year ;) So, no, no faux pas. Thanks for stopping by and commenting :)

Posted by: Rae at May 29, 2004 04:37 PM

Oh, hey! (waving) Hey Ith :*)

Posted by: Rae at May 29, 2004 04:46 PM

I'm in agreement: Memorial Day is for our veterans.

Posted by: Liz at May 30, 2004 11:16 AM
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