Do we really understand that Memorial Day is NOT about "Rockin'"?

[Baldbaron]

Am I the only Villager to find today's WVLG theme of "Rockin' Memorial Day" inappropriate?
I'm all for days off, cookouts and fun activities, but I'm even more in favor of showing proper respect for the memories and families of those Americans who lost their lives fighting to preserve our basic freedoms.

Have you stood on the grass at any of the numerous beautifully kept American cemeteries in America and abroad and felt humble to be in the presence of the spirits represented by the thousands of silent grave markers? Have you read the names on the bricks in the memorial here in The Villages and wondered what they were like as individuals and what kind of patriotic and productive descendants were not born because of their sacrifice?

WVLG, you need not play dirges or avoid mention of the real meaning of Memorial Day, but you DO need to help us all, old and young, remember those brave men and women who died making sure that the ideas of freedom and free speech, however battered and tested, will live on in the greatest country that ever existed.

[Stu from NYC]

Am I the only Villager to find today's WVLG theme of "Rockin' Memorial Day" inappropriate?
I'm all for days off, cookouts and fun activities, but I'm even more in favor of showing proper respect for the memories and families of those Americans who lost their lives fighting to preserve our basic freedoms.

Have you stood on the grass at any of the numerous beautifully kept American cemeteries in America and abroad and felt humble to be in the presence of the spirits represented by the thousands of silent grave markers? Have you read the names on the bricks in the memorial here in The Villages and wondered what they were like as individuals and what kind of patriotic and productive descendants were not born because of their sacrifice?

WVLG, you need not play dirges or avoid mention of the real meaning of Memorial Day, but you DO need to help us all, old and young, remember those brave men and women who died making sure that the ideas of freedom and free speech, however battered and tested, will live on in the greatest country that ever existed.

Very well said

[Bogie Shooter]

What music do you suggest?

[Djean1981]

People should have a great day, doing whatever it is they love - while being grateful for those that died to make it possible..

[Bilyclub]

Jeez, and the television channels are running regular programing too. May I suggest you run a loop of the Gary Sinise Memorial Day Concert on PBS.

[coralway]

Why can't us vets celebrate any way we want?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Why do people need a specific day to remember our fallen soldiers? If you can't manage to remember that spontaneously throughout the year, I'll go ahead and suggest you're doin' it wrong.

Rock on, soldiers. And thank you for your service (which applies all year round, not just the last Monday of May).

[Chi-Town]

'Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree' must be blasphemous.

[MartinSE]

Why can't us vets celebrate any way we want?

I agree. Each celebrates in their own way, some party, some meditate, and some rock out.

I too am a vet and want to celebrate how I want to, not how anyone else feels is appropriate.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Am I the only Villager to find today's WVLG theme of "Rockin' Memorial Day" inappropriate?
I'm all for days off, cookouts and fun activities, but I'm even more in favor of showing proper respect for the memories and families of those Americans who lost their lives fighting to preserve our basic freedoms.

Have you stood on the grass at any of the numerous beautifully kept American cemeteries in America and abroad and felt humble to be in the presence of the spirits represented by the thousands of silent grave markers? Have you read the names on the bricks in the memorial here in The Villages and wondered what they were like as individuals and what kind of patriotic and productive descendants were not born because of their sacrifice?

WVLG, you need not play dirges or avoid mention of the real meaning of Memorial Day, but you DO need to help us all, old and young, remember those brave men and women who died making sure that the ideas of freedom and free speech, however battered and tested, will live on in the greatest country that ever existed. I remember the dead always , I don’t need a special day . Memorial Day has always been a special day , but it serves 2 purposes remembering the dead and the jump off of the summer season and that’s alright with this vet who has seen more dead then i hope anyone has to ever see . I don’t know what kind of music you want the radio to play for you , but perhaps The Beach Boys would be ok . This vet is going to find a vets grave somewhere , put some flowers on it then I’m going to have some fun and end the day with some ice cold vodka, listening to Coltrane or Miles and smoking some weed , because that would have made my dead comrades pretty happy

[Lindsyburnsy]

I think most people understand that, but it's like going to church, you can pray every day, but Sunday is the day people gather to pray.

[MartinSE]

I think most people understand that, but it's like going to church, you can pray every day, but Sunday is the day people gather to pray.

I think it is more like funerals.

Some people mourn and hold wakes. Some people march, dance the streets, and have a Jazz band playing celebratory happy music.

Different strokes for different folks.

Me, I hope people roast marshmallows at my cremation. And talk about what an A$$hole I was.

[coralway]

I think most people understand that, but it's like going to church, you can pray every day, but Sunday is the day people gather to pray.




.... or not

[Mrmean58]

I agree. Each celebrates in their own way, some party, some meditate, and some rock out.

I too am a vet and want to celebrate how I want to, not how anyone else feels is appropriate.

I agree and thank you for your service.

[me4vt]

I didn’t know Memorial Day was a celebration!!!

[dennisgavin]

I think though doest protest too much,,,,,,,,

[revkev]

All points are well made. The junksta-position that the Memorial Day holiday has always had, is the beginning of summer and the remembrance of those who died for our country.
The balance has always been, and always will be, an issue for all. All that being said, I still stand for remembering all those who gave their lives so I can be free to comment as I want to.

[airstreamingypsy]

Why can't us vets celebrate any way we want?

Vets? Veterans Day is for you. Memorial Day is to remember those who can't "celebrate" the day. Celebrate really? I lost my Dad in 1969, Vietnam, I don't celebrate Memorial Day... I'm surprised you do, but you are fortunate that you can.

[Bilyclub]

A lot of places now call a funeral a " Celebration of Life", just sayin.

[MartinSE]

I didn’t know Memorial Day was a celebration!!!

See, different people have different ideas. I prefer to celebrate the fallen and their giving the lives for us. I celebrate what great people they were. Some prefer to mourn a death, I prefer to celebrate a life. Each to their own.

[jimkerr]

Am I the only Villager to find today's WVLG theme of "Rockin' Memorial Day" inappropriate?
I'm all for days off, cookouts and fun activities, but I'm even more in favor of showing proper respect for the memories and families of those Americans who lost their lives fighting to preserve our basic freedoms.

Have you stood on the grass at any of the numerous beautifully kept American cemeteries in America and abroad and felt humble to be in the presence of the spirits represented by the thousands of silent grave markers? Have you read the names on the bricks in the memorial here in The Villages and wondered what they were like as individuals and what kind of patriotic and productive descendants were not born because of their sacrifice?

WVLG, you need not play dirges or avoid mention of the real meaning of Memorial Day, but you DO need to help us all, old and young, remember those brave men and women who died making sure that the ideas of freedom and free speech, however battered and tested, will live on in the greatest country that ever existed.

Why do you think it's up to you to tell people how to celebrate Memorial Day?

Have a Happy memorial day.

[Incoblack1]

Memorial Day is one for commemoration - not celebration! Patriotic music would be more appropriate but some people use the day to celebrate the start of the summer season. It's not worth going to was about!

[Boffin]

They would want you to barbecue.
They would want you to go to the lake.
They would want you to go to the beach.
They would want you to pop your feet up open a cold one and watch your kids play.
They would want you to rock out to some live music.
They would want you to camp.
They would want you to watch a parade.
They would want you to have a picnic in the park.
They would want you to go on a bike ride.
They would want you to go fishing.
They would want you to laugh.
They would want you to sing.
They would want you to be with friends.
They would want you to bake a pie.
They would want you to be with family.
They would want you to fly our flag. They would want you to be free.
I want you to understand the cost.... and never forget it.
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men that died. Rather we should thank God such Men lived.”
-George S. Patton

[MartinSE]

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men that died. Rather we should thank God such Men lived.”
-George S. Patton

Exactly.

[DAVES]

Am I the only Villager to find today's WVLG theme of "Rockin' Memorial Day" inappropriate?
I'm all for days off, cookouts and fun activities, but I'm even more in favor of showing proper respect for the memories and families of those Americans who lost their lives fighting to preserve our basic freedoms.

Have you stood on the grass at any of the numerous beautifully kept American cemeteries in America and abroad and felt humble to be in the presence of the spirits represented by the thousands of silent grave markers? Have you read the names on the bricks in the memorial here in The Villages and wondered what they were like as individuals and what kind of patriotic and productive descendants were not born because of their sacrifice?

WVLG, you need not play dirges or avoid mention of the real meaning of Memorial Day, but you DO need to help us all, old and young, remember those brave men and women who died making sure that the ideas of freedom and free speech, however battered and tested, will live on in the greatest country that ever existed.

Everything is subject to different opinions and life experiences.

Memorial day, the history is interesting. It was first decoration day, celebrating the end of the Civil War. Then, Armistice day celebrating the end of WWI-the war to end all wars.
Now Memorial day. PROGRESS? We seem to be getting better and better at killing each other.

I wish I had answers.