What's your take on Memorial Day (U.S.)?!?

I'm a veteran. I hate Memorial Day. It's . . . dumbshow, a Pharisaic institution, a photo-op, a chance for the political gnats to put on whiteface and costume for display in the public square.

Those who remember the dead in earnest are best left alone to do that. The hollow men and women who (with no true understanding of duty, honor, or the camaraderie of shared horror) duckspeak their annual platitudes disgust me, even when they might be genuinely admiring, on some abstract plane; they lack too much experiential understanding to be more than an annoying buzz in the ear to those who've seen the dead, friend or enemy alike.

The long weekend, though, is sometimes welcome.

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Actually, that gives the impression I'm claiming special status. I'm not. What I'm pitchin' a ***** about is the shameless use of Memorial Day by the mike- and camera-hogs, the public figures posing as patriots and displaying a well-chosen false face. The happy news mannequins can be allowed a pass for their part in it; they're like that all the time.

Memorial Day should be observed---but by each in his or her own way. The 'pep squads' are tacky. We've all heard 'taps.' And I don't want to be pestered into marching with some other fraudulent old farts that I am not especially fond of. The ones I want to remember, I remember---my way, on my chosen day.

I kinda liked your poem, though, I recognized it as honest sentiment, and forthright morality. I'd look at the pictures in your wallet, if you wanted to show them.

Ray you are a love and while I may not answer poetically, we have family at Arlington. I wanted to go but I'm not fit enough, however, my family will.

Of course I hope your weekend is blessed and with the thought of those in my family who paid the ultimate price so I could sleep at ease, I can't say enjoy, sorry. What I will say is, and to all, Think about why others have been sacrificed, honor and respect them, they would have done the same for you, in fact they did, not even knowing you/ us. We go to the airport just to welcome soldiers home, we realize many have families and respect that, but what of those who do make it home, alone when they enter the life they once knew. They need hugs too.

You dragged a song out of me, I won't post now, "Some gave all"/// All gave some.

I know there will be parades and flags waved as well as bandstand concerts and some long winded speeches, but a mother who has heard "We are sorry to inform you" Hardly gives a care for the tri-cornered flag handed or the medal of valor awarded after the fact.

Please, please forgive me Ray, but "holiday" is not how I view this, is a most sacred remembrance not just of my family, but all who never so closely assumed their end of days.

Ray in my way, I thank you, praise you, honor you and those, thankful you are with us to compose such as this. I offer way big hugs.

i don't comprehend why some people burned the flag on Memorial Day. Why do you be conscious it as though this grew to become right into a collective act via all liberals? individually, i think of flag burning is unpatriotic--as unpatriotic as attempting to bypass a regulation against flag burning, or attempting to bypass the different regulation that unnecessarily infringes on the 1st modification.

Every day I give thanks to those who have falen. I am a listener for those that made it out able to tell their stories and I get sickened by the disregard of others, and even more with the Jane Fondas that criticize them as war-supporters. Tell me who would have been free in this country to do as they waish, to say what they wanted, without soldiers? And what have we done for them in return? Perhaps never enough. But here is one heartfelt SALUTE with gratitude, from this concerned civillian. I am near to finishing school and will devote the rest of my years to treatment for the battle-traumatized in hopes they can find true peace and fully return from the dark places they have been.

For those who have lost loved ones to war, I salute you all as well, your losses do not go unheeded.

I'm grateful of my freedom in America along with all the citizens that worked hard to give me that right, but the Day itself is my symbolic to me than celebration. I don't indulge myself to the bells and whistles that go along with the special day, but I try to appreciate and take Memorial Day to give my family happiness. I just want everyone happy.. Check out my vids on YouTube and share w/friends please... Thanxx

I spend the weekend thinking of Bucky Gierman who died in Vietnam.I found his name in D.C. amongst the thousands of others.

War can be sweet to those who have never fought in it..

Nice one Ray, What a shame we haven't learnt anything from it.

Y'all have a nice day where ever you might be..

Well said and will do.