What does Memorial Day mean to you ?

[Mikey]

Just a thought,

What does Memorial Day mean to you ?

Does Memorial Day mean B-B-Q's ?
Does Memorial Day mean another free day off work ?

Me personally,
It's an official time when all soldiers AND civilians can sit back and contemplate what prices had to be paid for peace around the world... A lot of people say the world is in shambles... I personally think it's getting better all the time ...
Throughout our (American) short existence, we've had plenty of enemies as well as plenty of friends...
Today, it seems most of our enemies are now friends --- and most of our friends are still friends.
Was it all worth it ?
I say yes....
Unfortunately many people had to die to get us where we are now thoughout the last 200 years ......
But, they did not die in vain.
They can rest in peace knowing they helped make a better world, and we will never forget them.

It makes me very proud to be an American ...

That's about all I got to say.
Thanks for listening.

[mitchedwards]

Well said

[QDOGG]

I wish I could say it means honoring the brave military personal of my country. But the truth is, to me it's just a long weekend, meaning one day less I have to work!

[Bo8a_Fett]

For me Being English it is more like Remembrance day here in Nov 11th where you pay respect to all those who died or fought (armed forces and civilians) in each and every conflict past and present...unfortunately our remembrance day is not a holiday over here ..It is officially on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month 1918, the guns of World War I fell silent but is usually the nearest sunday to that date. Paper poppies are given to anyone who donates (charity) with all proceeds going to the British Legion (ex-sevicemans association).Unfortunately it is forgotten more and more every year...
Poppy - Show your support (http://www.poppy.org.uk/content/Show-your-support-1104.shtml)
To save your world you asked this man to die: Would this man, could he see you now, ask why?.....Epitaph for the Unknown Soldier W H Auden

[RussG]

my dad was in the army, and I would have joined also if a bad shoulder wouldn't have kept me out. So I have a lot of respect for the men and women who served in the military. Today is one of many where I think how lucky I am being an American and how thankful I am for our people in the military

[JDeRouen]

A day off work/school.

[kingcarm]

A day off work/school.

Yes....a day off of work with pay. :yes:

[Marvelmania]

It's a day to remember those fallen for our country and a day to visit family gravesites.
We have a family gravesite about 30 miles away and most any sort of day of remembrance I visit it.

[toys2cool]

It's a day to remember those fallen for our country and a day to visit family gravesites.
We have a family gravesite about 30 miles away and most any sort of day of remembrance I visit it.

Same here

and when I was in HS in JROTC we would wear are uniforms and go put flags on all the soldiers graves,it was very sad

[megojim]

no offense to those who see today as ONLY "a day off" . . . . . but you wouldn't have it if it weren't for the men and women who serve and have served our country, many who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

I fly my flag proudly today and pray that all who serve remain safe.

:flag:GOD BLESS AMERICA!!:flag:
-jim

PS- part of the celebration is fun with the family and cooking out!

[Hector]

A day off.

[Brue]

First of all, as a veteran, i don't thionk it is a time to recognize all vets.

I am glad not to be thanked on memorial day for what it implies to honored on memorial day.

What it does mean is a profound sadness for those who have lost their lives in service and the families they leave behind. I ran a race this morning where proceed go to a service men's memorial foundation. As I began the second loop I could see all of the participants, volunteers and spectators strung through the open park and flags flying at have mast. As I ran i welled up with tears at the thought that more soldiers had lost their lives in Iraq that were here in this crowded park. I often think of the priviledge life I lead and feel humbled by pain experienced by others. In the case of soldiers (who often are not born with silver spoons in their mouths) it is their choice to face adversity for the service of others. It is with deep sorrow that I go about my day on memorial day. It is a greater sorrow that their are people who don't know what the holiday is about and others who just don't care. But the great thing is that those guys died for all of us (losers include) to have the freedom to have a celebration - or choose to not care.

[misterdroid]

My best friend died on 2/12/08... I would love for this holiday to mean something big, but I have thought of him every day since then. Yeah, I've got army friends, I worked off of Fort Bragg for years... but today... I miss you Shane... I will be with you as soon as I can... You're my brother dammit... this sucks. miss you man, miss you...
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z224/misterdroid/shane-1.jpg
Shane Allen Cole... 1971-2008.... I'll mourn you till I join you. R.I.P.

[livnxxxl]

I think about all of the wonderful people that have served and are still serving now so that I can continue to have my freedom here in the USA. I also cannot help to think about the tragic loss of others over the course of history. We (my gf and I) do not really celebrate the day per say by BBQing as we typically eat out most of the time. For the most part we both go about our business doing as we please and enjoying our freedom as with any other regular day.