Memorial Day Weekend: Do or Don't? (2024)

FAQs

What is the proper response for Memorial Day? ›

And not everyone agrees on the proper greeting for Memorial Day. Most people say “Happy Memorial Day” or they will take to social media to thank veterans for their service.

Don't wish anyone a “Happy Memorial Day”

This is not Christmas – Memorial Day was not founded in joy with the promise of bringing glee each year. It was established as a way for the country to set aside time to honor the troops who had given their lives in service to America. In 1868, Gen.

It's never wrong to thank a veteran or active-duty military personal for their service, but even they will tell you that officially Memorial Day is not for them.

Instead of saying, “Happy Memorial Day,” there are alternative greetings you can use that pay homage to the true meaning of Memorial Day. They include: -I hope your Memorial Day is meaningful. -I wish you an enjoyable weekend where you remember those who are no longer with us.

In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays. Many Southern states also have their own days for honoring the Confederate dead.

So, can you say "Happy Memorial Day?" Yes, of course, you can... especially if it comes from a place of grateful joy for the life we live today that was provided by the sacrifices of generations before. On Memorial Day, take time to reflect on the men and women who gave it all for us.

Fly the American flag using proper mourning etiquette. On Memorial Day, the American flag should be displayed at half-staff from morning to noon, and at full-staff from noon to sunset. Half-staff is the position located in the middle of the flagpole, and full-staff is the position at the very top of the flagpole.

Memorial Day is the observance where it's not really appropriate to say “Happy Memorial Day” to a veteran or anyone for that matter. Still, when people thank me for my service on that day, or any other, I don't really have a problem with it.

What are some powerful quotes on Memorial Day? ›

Instead of “Happy Memorial Day,” you can say something like “Have a meaningful Memorial Day.” I know it's confusing because we all get 'Happy Memorial Day' in promotional emails from brands and it's become a holiday weekend for barbecues but as an American who is so grateful to everyone who fights to protect us, I'm ...

Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country.

Send them a message your employees will appreciate: Today is dedicated to all our heroes. Let's remember and thank our fallen service members. Wishing you a very Happy Memorial Day.

We are forever grateful for your choice to serve—we know this service comes at a cost—and although our recognition cannot fully encapsulate the gratitude we hold for your sacrifices, we want you to know they will never be forgotten. Today and every day, we honor our fallen heroes, and we honor you.

However Memorial Day is spent, military personnel have asked that civilians not wish people a "Happy Memorial Day." Read on to find out why and more about the holiday.

Please remember the reason we celebrate this day. To those that have lost family members God bless you and yours. I thank all members of the service for protecting my family and this great country we live in.

They attend events ranging from community gatherings to large sports competitions. The Indianapolis (“Indy”) 500 motor race, for instance, attracts an estimated 300,000 people on the Saturday before Memorial Day. But many Americans also visit cemeteries, where volunteers often place American flags on graves.