Putting “Happy Memorial Day” to rest

Like many holidays, Memorial Day comes with commercial sales, anticipated travel, and the three-day weekend.

Often times, losing sight of the fact that more than 1.4 million military men and women have died in combat throughout the nearly 244-year history of our nation.

That’s why Memorial Day ceremonies were held all across our nation in remembrance of those who died for our country.

At the Sunset Vista Cemetery in the Foothills, American flags were placed on the right side of each grave site, waving graciously in the wind. Local law enforcement agencies stood in unison to respectfully honor America’s fallen soldiers, fellow service members, and their families.

Yet, nowhere in sight were the words ” Happy Memorial Day ” , a phrase some Americans view as patriotic, is actually undesired by those with military connections.

Sandra Schoonover’s husband was a Vietnam veteran, and she said, “I try not to use those words ‘Happy Memorial Day’.”

” It’s a sad day because you remember all the ones that are not here anymore. And it brings back memories, ” said Russell Pool, a Marine Corp Vietnam veteran.

Ret. Col. Robert C. Filbey gave a speech addressing the proper ways for Americans to pay their respects on Memorial Day. The three ways he suggested were, ” Appreciate the blessing of freedom. Recognize the power and virtue of sacrifice. And respect those who gave everything on behalf of our common good. ”

So, on this Memorial Day, veterans ask all Americans to remember that the freedom that we have today, others paid at an awful cost.

While it may take some social undoing to eliminate the phrase, ” Happy Memorial Day ” from America’s tradition, an easy and acceptable alternative is simply showing gratitude to our service members on this day.