My boyfriend and I (yes, he’s home already) got into a mini-debate yesterday afternoon over Memorial Day. It all began when we drove past a police roadblock (I’m assuming to catch drunk driving speeders) and I mentioned how I think it’s pretty disgusting that a day meant for a solemn remembrance of our war heroes has turned into an excuse for an all out beer fest slash cook out.
“Ask ten people about the true meaning of Memorial Day,” I said, “and eight of them will say, ‘PARTY TIME!’”
He replied, “What are people supposed to do, be depressed all day? Maybe people don’t want to spend the day feeling miserable.”
That got me thinking. Coming from a military family, I guess this kind of stuff affects me more deeply than others who don’t understand the sacrifices made, not just by the soldiers themselves, but by the entire family. I think the right way to celebrate Memorial Day is a happy medium between the two: you don’t need to spend the afternoon depressed over our deceased war heroes, but you don’t have to completely ignore the fact that today is really about remembering them. Enjoy your cookout knowing that we were given the freedom to choose between Bud Light and Coors Light thanks to the sacrifices of others.
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until I visit the Patriots Hall of Fame!
I'm Angela - I'm staring down the barrel of my 30s (gah) working as a production editor
(office bitch) for a small newspaper. I'm consumed by my endless devotion to
the New England Patriots and have recenty taken up knitting to keep busy until September. Oh yeah, and I have a really whacky boyfriend to keep me amused.
Girlfriend rule #27… Thou must miss him wicked bad whilst he is away and be wicked happy he has returned.
I think Memorial Day is supposed to be a little of both. I mean of course you should remember all that have given service to protect the good ol’ USA, but you also gotta celebrate the enjoy what our servicemen have given us too including the ability to enjoy beautiful days with our families and friends. (#):)
I think the more frightening thing is the mini roadblock checkpoint. So much for freedoms our troops were supposedly fighting to have…
It should be a combination of all feelings. It was a day to remember but at the same time we can’t spend the weekend crying. We are all depressed enough mon-fri as it is.
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thank you for writing this post. i feel the same about memorial day, we shouldn’t be drinking and partying. we should be remembering the true meaning behind memorial day.