Should You Say Happy Memorial Day?

What should you say or do on Memorial Day? Don't offend others by not following a few rules found here.

No, you shouldn't thank a Veteran for their service or say 'Happy Memorial Day!' on Memorial Day, at least I wouldn't. Memorial Day is a day to reflect on loved ones who laid down their lives for U.S. national defense. A day to commemorate those who have died for our country.

Do you remember when this holiday was called Decoration Day? The graves of those who had lost their lives in service of their country were decorated with American flags for May 30th. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Holiday act and moved Memorial Day from May 30th to the last Monday of the month.

Do you remember donating to the American Legion and get a paper poppy in return to wear on your hat? On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, millions of red crepe paper poppies, all handmade by veterans as part of their therapeutic rehabilitation, are distributed across the country in exchange for donations that go directly to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans in our communities.

Red poppy flowers are also often placed on crosses near the graves of fallen war heroes. The tradition of the poppy comes from the poem, 'In Flanders Field', written in May 1915 by by John McCrae after the Second Battle of Ypres. The poppy, which bloomed in battlefields during the first world war in Belgium and France, has become a symbol of remembrance and is a key element of the Remembrance Day observations in the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. [Office Holidays]

Memorial has turned into the unofficial start of Summer, and it's ok to enjoy your family BBQ and community activities, just don't forget the reason for your day off.