SEAL who shot bin Laden: Don't wish me a happy Memorial Day

[Por_sha911]

SEAL who shot bin Laden: Don't wish me a happy Memorial Day | Fox News

Don’t wish me a happy Memorial Day. There is nothing happy about the loss of the brave men and women of our armed forces who died in combat defending America. Memorial Day is not a celebration.

Memorial Day is a time for reflection, pause, remembrance and thanksgiving for patriots who gave up their own lives to protect the lives and freedom of us all – including the freedom of generations long gone and generations yet unborn. We owe the fallen a debt so enormous that it can never be repaid.

[kach22i]

Robert O'Neill writes well, thank you for posting this.

An interesting read about the author.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_J._O%27Neill_(U.S._Navy_SEAL)

[sc_rufctr]

Robert is a classy guy. I wish him and the rest of the team the best.

I remember the multiple threads that were started here when it was announced. (Most of those were moved to PARF.)
You could really feel the emotions of the people posting about it in their comments.

7 Years just like that.

RIP to "our" service people who have paid the ultimate price for us.

[kach22i]

May 23, 2018
For Memorial Day, 33 O.C. restaurants will host ‘Missing Man’ tables to honor military
https://www.ocregister.com/2018/05/23/san-clemente-mother-of-army-specialist-killed-in-afghanistan-embraces-memorial-day-weekend-with-missing-man-table/

Starting Friday, May 25, more than 30 restaurants in San Clemente and Dana Point will prominently display the tables — each one set with one chair. They will remain in place through Memorial Day, Monday, May 28.

[wdfifteen]

Who the hell ever says, "Happy Memorial Day?"
It is and always has been a day of remembrance occurring on a Monday so we have a 3-day weekend to remember the fallen. Only a doofus or someone who doesn't understand our culture would wish you a happy 3 day weekend.

[matt930s]

^yup...

MattR

[Baz]

[pwd72s]

[Skytrooper]

When people wish me a "Happy Memorial Day", I look them sqaure in the eye and ask them "what's happy about it ? "

[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

Who the hell ever says, "Happy Memorial Day?"
It is and always has been a day of remembrance occurring on a Monday so we have a 3-day weekend to remember the fallen. Only a doofus or someone who doesn't understand our culture would wish you a happy 3 day weekend.

I must have had 10 or 15 people wish me a happy holiday or happy Memorial Day in the Friday. Sad.

Men and women died serving their country so that some jerk could give this thread one star.

[Baz]

Just rated your thread 5 stars, Joe....the pinhead who gave it 1 star can shove it up his azz.....

[Por_sha911]

I really don't care that they rated "my" thread as much as they disrespect the men and women who served this country. Maybe the person was offended that we shot Bin Laden... doesn't matter. They may freely speak because someone put their life on the line to protect that right.

My generation treated returning soldiers from Vietnam like dirt. Whether we agreed with the war or not, we could at least show some respect to those who put their lives on the line. I have friends that came back alive but emotionally wounded for the rest of their lives. Others came back in a bag. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude. Memorial Day honors those who died and shows condolences to the families who lost daddies and mommies, husbands and wives, sons and daughters.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Man you guys are uptight.

I interpret anyone saying “happy Memorial Day” to mean they're happy that we are so fortunate to have the freedoms and great way of life we do (including paid holidays!) because of the ultimate sacrifice that some people have made. Yes that’s something to celebrate and be happy about. It’s also an occasion to remember those who made that sacrifice and thank them - it is because of them that we have the ability to enjoy life as we do. It should be a time for reflection, appreciation and (yes) happiness and joy that those peoples’ sacrifice has made life so good for so many, but I think it need not have to be a dour, solemn, tear-jerking occasion. If thats what works for some to help them remember and appreciate, fine - but the notion that it’s the only way to celebrate is a bit silly. It’s possible to be both happy and appreciative / grateful.

FWIW I prefer to say “have a meaningful Memorial Day”. I think that gets the point across that folks should pause to remember WHY they’re having a day off, not just that it’s an excuse to swill beer or brag about putting one’s bass boat in the water. I don’t need to lecture - a simple reminder like that is (I think) effective enough.

[Por_sha911]

Mark the calendar...I may agree with P-O-P... but only to a point.
Yes, it isn't necessarily a day of great mourning but, I do understand the writer's concern that we don't appreciate the price paid for our freedom. To him it is personal because he carries the memories of comrades in arms who died by his side. He paid dues I never did and has the right to not be happy on Memorial day.
To the majority of people I know, it is "happy" because they get a 3 day weekend and there are big sales at the mall. I enjoy those things as much as the next guy but I wish people would remember the lives lost and the gold star families.

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

To the majority of people I know, it is "happy" because they get a 3 day weekend and there are big sales at the mall. I enjoy those things as much as the next guy but I wish people would remember the lives lost and the gold star families.

I think most do, for at least a portion of the weekend or the day. Certainly most on this forum do.

[sand_man]

Thank you for opening this thread. That link really did inspire some much needed reflection.

[Noah930]

I understand and respect.tbe sentiment expressed Iin the OP. It's a day to remember the dead, and wounded.

But I'm in agreement with P-O-P. People who wish you a "Happy" Memorial Day may be a little bubble headed in their choice of words, but at the same time, isn't living well the best revenge? To avenge the sacrifices of our servicemen and women, isn't being able to live joyous lives the biggest F U we can send to our enemies?

[sc_rufctr]

We have our Anzac day in Australia. (25 April)

No one says Happy Anzac day.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

We have our Anzac day in Australia. (25 April)

No one says Happy Anzac day.

Thank you, Peter. Well said....

[slow&rusty]

I just saw Robert O'Neill speak at a conference this past week, I was impressed with his delivery and he as a person....Respect.