Commander's Message, MAY 2022

Fellow Legionnaires,

While your Memorial Day weekend might be packed with family fun and summer activities - a trip to the lake, camping, or a backyard barbecue - we also think it's important to pause the festivities in remembrance of the real meaning and history of Memorial Day. If you are one of those asking, “Is Memorial Day not for veterans?” It is time to learn the answer. Since a lot of us still confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day, you should know the difference to avoid any misunderstanding. These two holidays have different origins. The official observance of Memorial Day started in 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery where people decorated the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers with flowers. This tradition was later extended to commemorate all military men and women who died in all American wars. Veterans Day dates back to the early 20th century when Armistice Day was declared after World War I to honor the heroism of the American soldiers and their contribution to the world peace. After World War II, the name of the holiday was changed to “Veterans”, Ever since then, Veterans Day is observed on November 11 to celebrate the veterans of all American wars. To express noble Memorial Day sentiments, you should remember that this is the time to commemorate those who gave their lives in service to our country. That is why you should not thank the living veterans on Memorial Day but show respect to their fallen comrades in arms, friends, and family. We honor veterans on Veterans Day to express our gratitude and reverence for their service. On Memorial Day, we remember those who died in wars. In such a way, we can deliberate on the price of war and pay tribute to those who paid in full. So instead of looking for proper words to say to a veteran on Memorial Day, you should visit a Veterans memorial or a National Cemetery and place flags and flowers on the graves, buy a poppy, or attend a Memorial Day Parade. Over time people have adopted different attitudes to using a Memorial Day saying, “Happy Memorial Day”. However, it might seem inappropriate to wish a day of bitter and painful memories to be happy. Since those who lost their loved ones in the wars can get genuinely emotional on Memorial Day, you should rather avoid using the word “happy” . There are a lot of ways to express your gratitude, and you will know what to say on Memorial Day if you understand its actual meaning and significance. For God and Country.

Gerry Wolf Post 3 Commander

402-417-8230 or Gerrywolf@aol.com or call our office

402-466-3958, Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00-12:00.