Isn't it unfair to honor those who died and not those who served and survived, our veterans? What about those who served their country in some other way -- maybe the peace corps or civil service? Shouldn't we be more inclusive?
No, we should not. Veterans Day is for those who survived, Memorial Day is for those who did not. All other patriots and happy aspects of our country may be celebrated on Independence Day. If we try observer everything at once, it is too much, and we will observe nothing in particular; we will treat this as just a 3-day weekend.
Do those who gave their lives for this country deserve a day when they will be singled out for honor?
Yes. They do.
Yes I agree. This idea that to be inclusive we have to blur the meaning of ideas, holidays, events or celebrations, does no one a favour. It is only the idiots who advocate for it. By the way, when you say "Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember those who died serving their country in the military", don't you mean "serving OUR country"? After all, we're not celebrating the people who fought and died for the other side.
ReplyDeleteWell, not exactly. There used to be, especially in the South, a separate Confederate Memorial Day, the precise date of which varied from state to state. Even though it might go a little against what I just said, I think we can use one day to honor those who died on both sides, giving each the benefit of the doubt. Even Yankee soldiers.
DeleteHere's an example of what I meant: The Blue & Grey Memorial Service in Huntington. The graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers were decorated. http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/briefs/x739986030/Gallery-The-Blue-Grey-Memorial-Service
DeleteThis is what the sub-headline is beside Memorial Day on CNN : "They paid the ultimate sacrifice, and they leave behind wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, daughters, sons. Or they returned from war, and carry on for those who did not. All are remembered this day." There is a blurring of the lines and everyone is included which isn;t what this holiday is about.
ReplyDeleteYou are right though - Memorial Day is for those who died. The ones who survived are honoured on Vets Day.
The Wizard of Id cartoon at http://www.gocomics.com/wizardofid/2012/05/27 gets is right!
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