05/27/2023
Memorial Day is not about celebrating the military or our wars. It is a day for remembering and honoring those who have died while serving in the U.S. military. While you may be happy about a long weekend, please do not say Happy Memorial Day.
Veterans comprise a small portion of our society (around 16.5 million veterans in the United States or 6.4% of the total population), a declining segment of U.S. Americans. In 1980 for example, about 18% of the U.S. population was a veteran. With few veterans, there are fewer friends and family of veterans.
So, I write this to the other ~90% of U.S. Americans: It is important to remember that Memorial Day is not about celebrating the military or the wars fought. It is about remembering those who have died in service to their country.
For some people, Memorial Day is a very personal day. They may have lost a close friend or family member who served in the military. On this day, they may feel grief, sadness, and loss.
Please avoid . The word "happy" has joyous connotations, and wishing someone a "Happy Memorial Day" can be seen as insensitive to those who have lost loved ones in service to our country...
Here are some alternative phrases you can use instead of "Happy Memorial Day":
• God bless our fallen heroes.
• We will never forget.
• Thank you for your service.
• I remember.
• We are grateful for the freedoms that we enjoy.
It is also essential to be respectful of those who are grieving on Memorial Day. If you know someone who has lost a loved one in the military, be mindful of their feelings and offer your support. You can do this by simply listening to them, offering a hug, or cooking them a meal.
If you want to show your support for the military, there are many other ways. You can donate to a veterans' organization, volunteer your time (lay wreaths or flags at a veteran's cemetery), or simply wear a red, white, and blue ribbon.