Aside from the carnivals, fairs, and cookouts, memorial day in the United States has a much more profound meaning... the day honors all those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and our freedom.
Memorial Day was first proclaimed in 1868 by General John Logan - the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873, and by 1890 it was recognized by all northern states. So, take a moment to reflect and give thanks to those who ensure your ability to lead a free and productive life.
Mel Per 2
5/28/2012 11:13:44 am
I think many people forget the meaning of Memorial Day and just use it as an excuse to have a big cookout and prep for the summer when really it's a day to honor all those who lost their lives defending our country. So I want to thank all those who gave their lives to ensure our freedom and to their families as well. Of course I want to thank those who are still fighting or have fought and have since returned home but today is a day to honor and remember those who didn't make it back home. Thank you.
Dana P6
5/28/2012 08:52:47 pm
I agree, many people forget what Memorial Day is. I have many family members serving fight now and that have served over the years. These are the people I honor on Memorial Day. Every soldier comes home a verterin, so what they are doing is brave, even though they know they may never come back home. I want to thank every one who has gone off to war to fight for our freedom.
Peter G. Per3
5/28/2012 11:14:24 pm
I do feel that people forget about why we celebrate Memorial Day. Yes, it is nice to have cookouts and parties, but it is supposed to be about remembering the people who have made sacrifices for this country. They all need to be thanked for what they do for this country and everyone in it and people need to remember them for that.
Amibeth Period 1
5/29/2012 12:32:03 am
Memorial Day is important to me and my family. Every year we walk through the cemetary where my Grandpa is buried and find the flag with his name on it. It's awesome to look and see all the flags flying and realize that all those people willingly fought for our country. It makes me proud to be and American
Rob Period 3
5/29/2012 12:43:38 am
I believe that many people do forget the true meaning of Memorial Day because I think that they believe that it falls into the category of the fourth of July. So while I was eating burgers and etc, I thanked some of my family who had served in the military and I silently 'prayed' for the people who have died giving me my freedom.
Adam P3
5/29/2012 12:49:56 am
I feel the same way, while people are out at the carnival and festival, some people are at home remember lost family members and friends. People should take a minute to think about and remember people lost in war.
Cody period 3
5/29/2012 12:58:44 am
Thankyou to all veterans who have risked their lives in our country and for it. You all should be prayed for and the men and woman and families still involved in defending the country now .
Kyle Period 4
5/29/2012 07:02:49 am
First off, I would like to say thank you to all the veterans who put their life on the line for us. I respect everyone of them for that. I especially want to say thanks to my friends cousin, Bobby. He's well respected by his family and me. Memorial day to me is one of my favorite holidays because we relies what people are actually doing for us and for themselves. Also, it reminds me of summer!
Katelyn R Per 2
5/29/2012 07:38:29 am
It is very important that people understand and remember the meaning of Memorial Day. Most people are just thinking about cookouts, spending time with family and friends and other festivities. It is important to honor those people who have fought for our country and kept us safe.
Luke P6
5/29/2012 07:53:51 am
I also believe that a lot of people forget the true meaning of Memorial Day. I saw a lot of different pictures an posts on the internet that said "Memorial Day: Not National Barbecue Day." So I think people are trying to say that before you go out for a cookout or to the beach on Memorial Day, you should take a moment to realize the true sacrifices that the men and women of the military make for us each and every day.
Sara P1&2
5/29/2012 08:44:55 am
I hate when people forget the real meaning in things. Kids our age take alot of things for granted. Memorial Day is another example of one of those things. Obviously kids are excited because there's no school and it's part of Gaspee Days and such. But do they realize the real message is to be reminded to be thankful for all the vets and such serving for us? Or where Gaspee Days comes from in order for us to have them? I feel that when generations get older the meaning will not totally be the same anymore. I'm greatful for everyone who's ever fought for our country no matter how big or how small their actions were, it's made an impact on us today.
Victoria Period 4
5/29/2012 09:18:30 am
We are all very thankful for the troops and soldiers who have or currently fought for our country. So many men and women risk their lives for their family and they should all be honored for that...and they are, on Memorial Day. My grandpa was once in the army and i am so proud that i have a grandfather who is a veteran. And my great grandpa was also in the army and he got a purple heart. They also risk their lives for all the people around them. So no one should ever take the world or anything for granted because they don't know whats ahead of them.
Greg Goodinson
5/29/2012 09:46:56 am
Memorial Day shouldn't be forgotten. And the people in this country need to realize how much of a sacrifice people make everyday, protecting people that are complete strangers to them. People these days have gotten too caught up in the "fun" and just doing what they want to do. And they forget what is truly important, freedom.
Julianna Period 2
5/29/2012 10:44:21 am
I feel as though people forget the true meaning of Memorial Day. I feel like people just take for granted that we have the day off. So many people died fighting for our country and I feel like a lot of us don't realize that. I know it's a fun weekend, with arts and crafts and big cookouts. But, I wish people would just stop for a second and think about what Memorial Day really is about. It's a day that we must be thankful. If it wasn't for the men and women that fought we would not be free. RIP soldiers, thank you for everything you've done.
Andrew Period 1
5/29/2012 09:28:47 pm
My family celebrates every Memorial Day by having a huge cookout with my family and friends, and some of us go to the cemetery to honor the loved ones that have past in our families. People do take all these holidays for granted and act like it's nothing but a day out of school/work. Thank you for all the men and women that have fought for our country.
Sean Period 4
5/30/2012 04:37:27 am
While yes, it may be true that people don't realize that Memorial Day is more than just a day off from school, spent enjoying the early summer weather. But there are plenty of people who understand and care about the meaning of this day. In fact some people, such as a family of a war veteran, don't need a specific day to remember and thank their troops. But people should realize and at least stop to think for a moment about the people making a difference in our American lives.
Julia per. 6
5/30/2012 06:06:31 am
Like commenters above have said, many have forgotten the true meaning of Memorial Day. Yeah, it's a day off from school and the unofficial start of summer. But many forget that it's more than that. It's a day of rememberance for all those men and women who have served to defend our country.Memorial Day has a different vibe for me. Both my grandfathers served in the military. My dad's father served in the Marines and my mother's father served in the Air Force. I believe my mother's father served in Vietnam and Korea. My dad's father, I am not sure what wars he fought in. Other family members of mine (uncles, great-uncles, etc) have served. Every Memorial Day I think of all those who are currently serving, have served and who are going to serve in any branch of the military. I thank all of them from the bottem of my heart not just this past weekend, but every day.
Nikkii Period 6
5/30/2012 07:34:28 am
Erica period2
5/30/2012 08:51:27 am
Honestly, I think that I am guilty of neglecting Memorial Day. Of course I am thankful of it, what high school student isn't... we get a long weekend! However, I must remember that that isn't what the day is really all about. Actually after skimming through some of the above responses I can see that many people are just as guilty as myself. I plan on being much more thankful for the freedom I have and much more thankful for the men and women who sacrificed their lives for that freedom!
Jin Period 4
5/30/2012 12:10:37 pm
I would have to agree that many people forget the true meaning of Memorial Day. It is a day honoring people who have fought in battle and risked their lives so that we can live in the world we live in today, but what many of us do now is far from that. I feel that many of us care for the holiday just because it is a day off from school where we can have fun. I'm not saying that it's wrong to appreciate having a long week-end, but I am saying that we should remember that it is so much more. And to be honest, I wish that we did not have a Memorial Day or have to have a specific day for when we feel thankful to the brave soldiers. I think that there should not be a holiday like that because I think that we should be thankful towards them all the time. I wouldn't have wanted to live in a world where I was not free and I give a big thanks to these people who have made it possible.
Emma Period 6
5/30/2012 12:56:37 pm
I also, as many other people have said, feel guilty of not actually noticing the appreciation we should be giving to these people. I mean, many people see the holiday as just another day off from school or work... "lets have a party", or "lets hang out!" What people do not realize is that there are so many people out there everyday risking their lives to make ours better. The appreciation they should be getting on this day should be tremendous. I mean dont get me wrong, I'm sure they do in fact get alot of it, but I feel like its one of those holidays that people do not remember as much, and I am guilty for not doing that myself. When you think about it, it is kind of sad to think what a shame it is when people do not appreciate others who are fighting for our lives.
Shae T period 6
5/30/2012 09:34:56 pm
I was out of state this past weekend, and while I was having breakfast with my grandparents, I told them that it seemes like a lot of people just see Memorial Day as a day off from school and work. My grandfather was not in the military, but he went on about how it was wrong that so many people, including women and children were killed in the midst of battle. I'm proud of our troops for having the courage to fight for this country, but in all honesty, I think any war at all is completely pointess, because people are wounded and killed, and many never make it home to their famlies. So even though Memorial Day is a day off from life, I think it's still important to recognize why we have it.
Doug per.1
5/31/2012 10:21:41 am
this is going to sound wrong, but i personally hate memorial day now. Last year my grandfather passed away the week leading up to memorial day and he was a memeber of the Navy. SO that week i went throught the worst lose i had ever had and when people 3 days after i buried my grandfather talk about soliders and death it just makes me think of that bad time all over agian.
Jaide Period 1
5/31/2012 10:09:06 pm
i agree. many people dont even think twice about the people who died. they worry about themsleves and see how much fun they can have doing stupid things over the three day weekend. its a joke !
Drisanna W. period 4
6/1/2012 07:21:20 am
for many people memorial day is just another day of no work or no school its rare that people understand the sacrife that soldiers make for our country. They will always be remembered for theyre bravery and heroific actions.
Dominique Period 4
6/1/2012 10:15:05 am
I agree that so many people forget about the true meaning of Memorial Day and even some of the other holidays. Veterans and their families should be remembered on Memorial Day, but also everyday.
sarah period 6
6/1/2012 10:29:13 pm
I admit I sometimes forget the true meaning of a holiday. Memorial day is usually a fun cookout day or going to fairs. But, it's a day to remember all the people who fought in battle. Also, you have to appreciate the people who are fighting right now. They put their lives at stake everyday just to protect our country. That's such a brave and courageous thing to do. I respect our troops so much.
Shane per. 1
6/3/2012 07:10:13 am
Just wanted to give my respect and thanks to all those who have lost their life defending my freedom and the freedom of all occupants of this country before me. They are the real heros and are the reason america is free.
Jason Per.1
6/3/2012 10:35:52 am
I feel as if the men and women that defend our country deserve more respect than they have now, and Memorial Day is an example of that. The servicemen and servicewomen risk their lives every day for people they don't even know, and the fact that many Americans use the day in honor of them as an excuse to stay out of work or school shows that we are not as appreciative as we should be. I am very thankful for the people who protect our country, and realize that our country would not be the same if they didn't put their lives on the line.
Sarah period 1
6/3/2012 10:48:17 am
Everyone forgets what Memorial Day really is. It's a day honoring people who have fought in these battles and risked their lives so that we can live in the world we live in today. But for everyone now, it's just another day off of school. I admit it, I don't think much about the people who fought for everyone, so they could live the way they are living now, on Memorial day. Or even as much as I should. But thinking about it now, I am very thankful for the people who protect our country.
Austin per. 2
6/3/2012 12:48:58 pm
Most kids don't understand the meaning of Memorial Day and only see it as a day out of school. My Grandfather was in the Vietnam war and now he is not with us. That is why my family and I thank all proud war heroes past and present that faught for our country.
Corey Period 2
6/5/2012 01:12:52 pm
I do not think that people forget why we celebrate Memorial Day. I believe that people just do not truly understand how important Memorial Day actually is and that people do not take the time to actually thank the men in women in our countries services. They risk their lives so that we can live ours safely and have peace of mind when we walk out our front doors. We are lucky that we do not have to worry as much about violence as other parts of the world do because of outside invaders bombing and threatening our country each and everyday. Our services do a great job protecting us. Thank you!
Jesse per 3
6/5/2012 11:10:42 pm
Veterens are the only people to get two holidays(veterens day & memorial day)... except Jesus I guess(Christmas and Easter). Anyway they both deserve them. They're good people.
Brehanna Per. 3
6/6/2012 10:27:03 am
A lot of people forget the reason for memorial day. Kids in school think it's just another three-day weekend and they dont realize what its about.
Jess Period 2
6/8/2012 12:53:10 am
I think it's safe to say that people lose sight of the true meaning of Memorial Day every time it comes around. I'm not going to lie, I definitely think I'm one of them. Every year around this time I get excited for cook outs and fireworks and of course the Gaspee arts and crafts festival. I have never really taken the time to stop and think of what the day truly means. But now that I do, I think it's good to have a day dedicated to honoring those who have served our country. The sacrifices they made for us and for our country are things they can never be fully repaid for.
Haley p.2
6/8/2012 01:09:39 am
Many people often forget what Memorial Day is meant for. I usually spend this day with my family remembering our family members that have faught for our country. My great uncle died in WWII and my uncle is a spitting image of him and that si actually who he is named after. My grandfather faught in the Korean war and I love looking at all of his old pictures with him next to the trucks. On another note, I do LOVE the arts and crafts fair.
Allie per 3
6/8/2012 01:44:11 am
This and so many other holidays are always forgotten for their true meaning but remembered for the parties, gifts, and fun that peole look forward to. I truly appreciate all the past soldiers, current soldiers, and future soldiers that will die for my freedom. And even though a thank you can't really repay that in its entirety I am one hundred percent thankful.
Paige Period 3
6/8/2012 02:09:42 am
People lose the meaning of alot of holiday or events because they have been it into something for themselves. Personally I worked on Memorial Day the mall closed early but it was still open. Why wasnt it closed? Why was the mall so packed and crowded? Stores turned Memorial Day into a day of sales and shopping and(and from my perspective seeings i work at Taco Bell) buying the 12 packs instead of staying home and spending time with family and remembering all those who have fought for our country. Without them we would have nothing.
Shawn Period 3
6/8/2012 02:19:07 am
I think a lot of people forget the real meaning of memorial day. on this day, we should spend it remembering our family and friends that gave their lives to have what we have today.
brenna p.3
6/8/2012 02:22:34 am
People need to keep in mind that memorial day isnt just the start of cookout season. But, it should also be a celebration of this great country and americans should show their national pride. Im happy that so many Americans are proud of their country and those who fought for it.
john per 3
6/8/2012 02:29:55 am
i would like to thank those brave men and women who are out on the front lines defending their contry and their people without hessitation. they are extreamly brave and i dont think that they are thought of and appreciated enough by people who dont have some one close to them in the milatery.
Danielle C. Period 3
6/8/2012 02:34:01 am
I seriously think people forget the meaning of Memorial day. They think it's just some stupid holiday that they get off of school for and they get to party and do all sorts of stuff. They need to be reminded.
Katariina Period 3
6/8/2012 02:38:08 am
I think that a lot of people forget what Memorial Day really is for. They just enjoy having a holiday but they do not respect Memorial Day and what it stands for. In Finland we have a day that is close to the Memorial Day in the United States but it is not a national holiday. It is still an important day. Everyone should try to take a moment and give thanks to those who have fought for your country.
Anneliese period 6
6/8/2012 12:56:59 pm
Most people think of Memorial Day as an excuse to have a barbeque, or go to sales, and it's sad. Those who have served, and serve our country today deserve great respect. People should really think about all the lives lost to protect our country.
Daniel period 1&2
6/9/2012 05:13:30 am
We can never forget those who served. They are the ones that protect us and keep the basic rights in this country around. America would not be free if it weren't for these brave men and women who sacrificed so much for the country they love. Today in the gaspee day parade every time a member of the military would walk by it was a huge clap for them. Thank to those who serve. Comments are closed.
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