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zodiac66
27-05-2006, 02:50
Most US citizens get that day off work and numerous towns have parades.

What do you think is appropriate for Memorial Day parades? This holiday is to honor fallen soldiers. Should there be clowns and politicians waving and smiling?

I don't think so. This is an occasion to honor our men in the military. It is not a photo op for politicians nor an amusing event for the kiddies. I think it should only be military personel. Tanks..Humvies..those are all great. I would rather see a line of our brave people in line that some silly politician who just wants his picture taken. I certainly would not be adverse to scouting (girls and boys) showing respect. Throwing candy and clowns have no place in a Memorial Day parade.

I post this because we went to one last year..and it was more of a fun parade. Memorial Day is not fun..it is a day to ponder and thank all of the people who sacrificed their lives for our country..even if we agreed with the war or not. I will go..and turn my back on any politician tossing candy and waving. That is not Memorial Day.

What do you all think?
Merick
27-05-2006, 03:02
What better way to honor our veterans then expressing our freedom by watching floats and eating hot dogs?
Sir EvilFreeSmeg
27-05-2006, 03:52
The parades need everything. Making Memorial day a somber one isn't honoring the men, it's being sad over their deaths. Instead, you should celebrate everything they bought dearly.
Dondrei
27-05-2006, 13:26
Turning it into a press circus is a bit of a nuisance, but kind of unavoidable. Politicians couldn't exactly refuse to attend, and so journalists tag along to take the photos and voila, photo op.


The parades need everything. Making Memorial day a somber one isn't honoring the men, it's being sad over their deaths. Instead, you should celebrate everything they bought dearly.

They died for hotdogs?
Merick
27-05-2006, 13:31
They died for hotdogs?

Yes, the terrorists don't want us eating pork.
Dondrei
27-05-2006, 14:40
Yes, the terrorists don't want us eating pork.

You think there's pork in a hotdog? You've obviously never eaten one. Traitor!
memememe173
27-05-2006, 19:11
Anything for free candy.
zodiac66
27-05-2006, 19:24
Wow..I support our military but not the war in Iraq. I have respect for the men and women who are over there, even if I agree with the war.

I have no respect for politicians who sit in their convertible cars, wave and throw peppermints at the crowd with their sticker on it while their constituents have veterans?

Oh..and who really knows what is in hotdogs?
Evrae Altana
27-05-2006, 19:31
Oh..and who really knows what is in hotdogs?I don't think I want to find out. :undecided:
superdave
27-05-2006, 19:32
Oh..and who really knows what is in hotdogs?

grind up all those surplus clowns shunned from the parades....anyone who says what they will taste like will be beat senseless with a pair of big red floppy shoes...size 46.
PatMaGroin
27-05-2006, 19:48
We have Veteran's Day if we want to be somber. Memorial Day is a happy occasion. The fact that it's a 3 day weekend in late late spring makes it impossible not to turn it into a festival of sorts.
PFS
28-05-2006, 03:38
Oh..and who really knows what is in hotdogs?
Ignorance is bliss.

Kinda like just before I clicked the cosplay links compared to just after.
Sergeant
28-05-2006, 08:33
The parades need everything. Making Memorial day a somber one isn't honoring the men, it's being sad over their deaths. Instead, you should celebrate everything they bought dearly.

I think I'm going to disagree with you a little here. Independence Day is a better holiday for these sorts of parades. Memorial Day is called that for a reason. In memoriam of fallen service members, fighting for what they believed in. Doesn't mean it has to be sad, there's plenty of cool and uplifting things that can be related.

Ever sit and listen to the stories of WWII or Korean War Vets? AWESOME. I think a change needs to be made in Memorial Day. First, it needs to stay the SAME DAY. It needs to be May 30 like it used to be. Re-arranging the "observed" date undermines what the day celebrates.

Second, focus needs to be taken away from it being the kick off of the summer vacation/tourism season. Just another way commercialism has ruined what should be a sacred, or at least respected, holiday. :soapbox:
zodiac66
29-05-2006, 01:33
I think I'm going to disagree with you a little here. Independence Day is a better holiday for these sorts of parades. Memorial Day is called that for a reason. In memoriam of fallen service members, fighting for what they believed in. Doesn't mean it has to be sad, there's plenty of cool and uplifting things that can be related.

Ever sit and listen to the stories of WWII or Korean War Vets? AWESOME. I think a change needs to be made in Memorial Day. First, it needs to stay the SAME DAY. It needs to be May 30 like it used to be. Re-arranging the "observed" date undermines what the day celebrates.

Second, focus needs to be taken away from it being the kick off of the summer vacation/tourism season. Just another way commercialism has ruined what should be a sacred, or at least respected, holiday. :soapbox:

First off..glad to see you back Sarge!!!

I totally agree...we have July 4th for fun. Memorial Day is to remember the brave soldiers of today and yesteryear.

I also have to agree that Memorial Day should not signify the start of summer. Summer starts in June.

Everyone in the US needs to take a moment and show some respect. A prayer or a though for those who are agnostic.

This year I am a little more involved. I have never had a veteran in my life. My best friend's son is going to Iraq in August. I will show him respect tomorrow. I will show respect for all in the military even though I don't agree with the war. They are there for us.