Comments on: The Memorial Day Brand

By: Kel

Kel — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:51:23 +0000

dexter, i love your perspective. thanks so much for sharing it. your comment about the last three presidents never seeing active duty is an awesome point. and i too think obama made a huge mistake in sending biden to arlington. i am surprised obama’s posse allowed him to send a surrogate. i would imagine there was a lot of discussion on this move. your suggestion about taking kids to all the us graves oversees would certainly be a 2×4 for bringing attention to the magnitude of the sacrifices. thanks again for taking the time to comment.

By: Dexter Siglin

Dexter Siglin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:42:53 +0000

Nice post. I think the malaise of the holiday (at least compared to several years ago) can be attributed to all of us – and especially our country’s leadership. The younger generation (45 and under) has no idea what REAL sacrifice is – unless you have family in the service. Our last 3 presidents never saw active duty – and most did all they could to avoid it (not judging – just looking at the facts). Speaking of PR and ‘branding’ – our President I think made a blunder by not being at Arlington. His credibility on this front is already weak. So he sent Veep to Arlington – who received 4-5 deferments from service. And I’m not picking on those guys – both sides of the aisle have had a pass compared to our grandparents. It just underscores that when people don’t have to sacrifice for what they have – we should not be surprised when they don’t appreciate it as much as those who did (sacrifice). And yes – I include myself! I watched the first gulf war from my college dorm room. I watched the 2nd one from my big ass TV and sectional, eating chicken wings. When my grandfather watched HIS first war, it was while dangling from a parachute getting dropped into Belgium. Therein lies the difference. ‘The Greatest Generation’ believed in ideals bigger than themselves (God and Country). We believe in iPads, political correctness, and movies. Not judging any of it except my role – just the way I see it. We should take our kids to museums – and if you travel overseas – take them to the US graves all over Europe. Its eye popping – and will have an impact. I remember being very young, standing at a US military site outside London – looking out over thousands of US servicemen headstones, and thinking wow – these are my people, and they never came home. Major impact.

By: Kel

Kel — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:38:34 +0000

meagan, i don’t think you are alone in your confusion. a friend of mine who served in the military said he had to do the same thing. i love your honesty!

By: Meagan Ellis

Meagan Ellis — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:24:37 +0000

I am embarrassed to say that on Thursday, I had to Google “Memorial Day Origins” when someone asked me the difference between Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. I think the onus is on everyone (media, marketers and consumers alike) to do something to commemorate the day that brings comfort to the families these brave people have left behind – what better way to honor them?

By: Kel

Kel — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:29:19 +0000

chris, that has to be one of the most thoughtful things i have ever heard. hearts and hugs from me.

By: Chris Moline

Chris Moline — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:27:22 +0000

When I was in the Marines, I used to write to my mom but would never let her know where I was or what was really going on. I had a buddy at Camp Pendleton and he’d take the letters and re-mail them for me so they’d have a California postmark. She spent most of my life protecting me, then I wound up protecting her in a way. Funny how life works.

By: Kel

Kel — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:53:25 +0000

frank, that was a great way for your parents to really amplify the true meaning of memorial day. i would imagine that having a personal connection like your uncle makes it all the more relevant. my only connection to fallen soldiers is through the media. regardless, i feel an incredible sense of responsibility to making sure we don’t lose sight of the real reason the day exists.

By: Kel

Kel — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:10:13 +0000

lily, flags are a great point. something so simple, but such a big reminder of the true meaning of memorial day. i’m going to go online and buy a few today. thanks!

By: Frank

Frank — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:52:57 +0000

Kel, I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments on Memorial Day. Memorial Day, like many holidays has lost it’s true meaning. Speaking from personal experience, I can remember right up until I was about 15 years old, my dad and mom would take me to the cemetery where my uncle (my dads brother) is buried, who lost his life at 20 during the Korean War. You don’t realize the ultimate sacrifice others risk for your freedom until you see a cemetery covered in little flags at hundreds of headstones. It really is overwhelming and puts life in perspective. Also, to see Veterans come out in their uniforms to pay their respect is a humbling experience. It’s something I never forget and always appreciate.

By: Lily

Lily — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:43:59 +0000

Kel,
Great post. Interestingly enough, I found myself walking my dog yesterday around my 64 home subdivision and only counted 6 American Flags being displayed. I thought, wow – really?

Later in the afternoon I had my two sons place 5 flags around our little tree out front, and I started singing, “Your a grand ole flag” – and neither one knew the song and I thought, wow – really?

Back when I was a kid, we celebrated Patriot’s Day and Flag Day at school, and always had a Memorial Day & Veteran’s Day ceremony outside and we were taught every beautiful and patriotic song ever written. Sadly, it’s not the case anymore. Schools used to have Christmas, Hanukkah, and even Halloween celebrations – but no longer.

I do give kudos to the individual towns who have ALWAYS held their annual parades (regardless of budget cuts etc).

I guess I don’t know who I feel should own the branding of Memorial Day – but as a parent, I’ve realized it falls on my shoulders to teach my children about the significance of these special holidays – and we displayed out little flags with pride.

Peace