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Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Memorial Day losing its meaning, vets groups and families lament

ANNVILLE, Pa. -- Allison Jaslow heard it more than once as the long holiday weekend approached -- a cheerful "Happy Memorial Day!" from oblivious well-wishers.

The former Army captain and Iraq War veteran had a ready reply, telling them, matter-of-factly, that she considered it a work weekend. Jaslow will be at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday to take part in the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. She'll then visit Section 60, the final resting place of many service members who died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"You can see it in people's faces that they're a little horrified that they forget this is what the day's about," said Jaslow, 34, who wears a bracelet bearing the name of a fallen comrade. "Culturally, we've kind of lost sight of what the day's supposed to mean."

While millions of Americans celebrate the long Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial start of summer -- think beaches and backyard barbecues, mattress sales and sporting events -- some veterans and loved ones of fallen military members wish the holiday that honors more than 1 million people who died serving their country would command more respect.

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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is sooo True! I do believe
the majority of the younger generation
do not know what it means except fun
and games!!

Anonymous said...

It has become that way because there are to many goverment sanctioned holidays on the calendar that are being exploited for reasons that have nothing to do with why the day is recognized.

San Box John

Anonymous said...

Because our government keeps starting wars over profit instead of the protection of our people and country. No one wants to sign up unless they need the money. I'd like to see the military march into DC and drag EVERY politician out of their office to be put on trial.

Anonymous said...

To the headline; not at my house.