I asked my Dad when he was very close to the end of his life if he wanted to have a military funeral. He had served for five years in the National Guard as a young man because in those days if one family member was active duty, my Uncle was in the Navy, they had to have special permission to serve after WWII where some families lost all their son's. But guard service supported the troops and he and his parents often worked helping military families that lived close to the big Army and Air Force base's near by. Not always the most popular thing to do. He said no what he did was because he loved his country and did not need to put anybody out since he never made combat.

But His was not a particularly "easy" service because he contracted and infection living in close quarters with minimal amenities available in those days and became raging ill. Trying to save his life they gave him some kind of medication that made his teeth rot, destroyed most of his hearing, and damaged his stomach for life. But he returned home and as soon as he could work he return to work (over 60 years between his two careers) and supported his parents and our family the best he could in the end of the dust bowl days. Quite a feat if you know anything about what that was like. For years he went to the cemetery and honored Vets and the families for a dinner until most had dwindled away. The last remaining few told me that for years he and my step mother would go and set up a table for themselves with four empty chairs waiting in hopes that us kids would possibly find our way "home" never having more children. He would place flags on the graves and cry over the ones with my brother's DOB because he did not know what any of our names had been changed to when the state took us from our Mother's custody.

So I have not been big on "family" reunions and focused instead on the bigger family of community. But I will put a flag on my Dad's grave and Thank him for his service both in and out of uniform.

Happy Memorial Day.

Attend a Memorial Day service every year in my town. Soldiers from Fort Campbell always are represented in the service. Remember those who have served our country and died. Yes, it's a nice long weekend but never forget why.

I've always wondered why people say "Happy Memorial Day". Just seems odd to me.

I say it because I think of those that gave to serve this country. They are heroes to me. That makes me proud and happy.

Nice of you to go there and pay your respects

I say Happy because it makes me happy to remember those who deserve to be remembered.

And I hope it comforts those who miss many that are. Often great people are supported by others that sacrifice a lot so they can serve. To me it memorializes their gifts.

I don't think most we do remember live their lives so they will be remembered but somehow it seems more important than wasting energy on the ones that don't deserve it.

I am all for helping people who need a hand up but if I have to dig down into my pocket to build something I would rather it be a memorial than a jail or a hand out center.

While I appreciate those who have served or given their lives for our country it honestly doesn't make me happy to think about their service. I have friends who have died in service to our country, on this weekend I think about them and I get sad and tearful. I think about the life they gave to an unappreciated American public (in most part) and think why? Too many Americans today have no clue what Memorial Day is about other than a 3 day weekend. They have no appreciation or clue as what the Day is about.

I respect how you feel. I agree that many don't know or don't care

My dad died active duty. I remember when he was alive and that makes me smile. I, also, know he died doing what he loved. He loved his family and country and that makes me happy

It also makes me happy thinking of those that died and lived serving the country

I guess I say it because I remember the heroes and it makes me happy

Forgot to say...I think "happy" is merely a well wish...not necessarily meaning you have to be happy

If that makes sense

I agree that many American's have no appreciation for anything. Maybe if Service to Country were mandatory for everyone and they understood what the sacrifice was maybe it would mean more but it is only a guess.

I think so many have had such and easy life they just don't get it. A kid doesn't appreciate a good parent until they are one for a few years. And many Americans live in their very small world and have no idea how lucky they are by and accident of birth that they live in a nice community with the basic opportunities/birthrights that come with being American in most communities. Even if they are poor/abused they have a shot at and education, job, and freedom to move after their dreams.

Yellowrose, that I can go with. Well wish vs happy I understand. Good on you and I'm so very sorry about your Father.

Thank you and I will wish you Good Memorial Day

I totally agree. I have seen a lot of poverty and misery in my travels. People who have no chance for what we take for granted. Stuff that most really can not comprehend or have never seen..And then I go back home or read people bashing where they live.

But they really have no idea just how lucky they are

These people get it. Its a a bit of a long watch but it will go a long way in restoring faith that there are people who care....who realize what sacrifice is....and why we celebrate Memorial Day.




http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Diu1tXhPpqs&itct=CDUQpDAYAiITCJq8uZ-u2cUCFdGFfgodK3EAQVIVa2lhIG1hcmluZSBob21lY29taW5n&gl=US&client=mv-google&hl=en

Going to spend afternoon with my oldest son and daughter in law and spend a little time playing with my seven month old grandson