It’s Ok to be Happy on Memorial Day

Yes, it’s ok to be happy on Memorial Day.  In fact, other military families and I encourage it.

No, wishing me a happy Memorial Day isn’t really appropriate, though, nor is thanking my husband for his service today, but I do know the wishes come from good intentions.

Memorial Day is not the day to thank us.  Leave that for Veterans Day and Armed Forces Day.  Memorial Day is a day to remember our fallen heroes.  Pausing to remember is important, there are families from all over the country who are missing a loved one at their table this weekend, and the rest of us should think of them and be grateful for their sacrifice, but it is also important to be happy for the freedom to celebrate.  The freedom for which countless Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines have sacrificed their lives since our Nation’s inception.

So, please barbecue, shop the sales, drink sangria… do what makes you happy on this, and every, Memorial Day, because you can.  You can savor the day because individual members of our Armed Forces fought and gave their precious lives so that you may do so.  Please, just remember to think of them and be thankful for the joy in this and every day.