I don't think you're the slightest bit interested in whether you are
alienating me or not, Hans. So, your feeble attempt to reconcile the angst
of your original response to mine is lost, since I'm sure you're more
interested in the fact that Dee (someone who you are probably more inclined
to want to pat on the head) aligned herself along the lines of what I was
thinking.

In addition, no matter what the "original" Memorial Day was intended for.
We've come a long way in this country. As you mention, there are days
specifically angled at the military (Veterans Day, Armed Forces Day) wherein
it may be more appropriate to remember "just" our military heroes.

However, I doubt "back in the day" a second thought was even raised or given
to remember the "civilian" side of the military. A parallel might be
something along the lines of completely disregarding that many amateur radio
operators have been involved in the public safety efforts of our hometown
heroes--and I've never yet seen a major display of recognition or thanks for
that. It's true that our police forces and rescue forces, right down to the
911 call handlers and dispatchers locked away in the confines of the office,
are all paid and are "in there" for our safety, and confronting dangerous
situations. It's also true that there are many civilian aspects, amateur
radio for one, that are "in there" for our safety, and confronting dangerous
situations also.

You may wish to remember only those who are/were in the military--and of
those, maybe only persons who have perished, Hans. And, I point out, I
haven't jumped down your throat for a thing. I posted a wonderful article
about a fantastic person and you came back with nothing but hate, contempt,
and angst. You could have made the adult decision to allow someone else
their belief. You did not, and you still haven't "changed my mind." Do you
know why? Because my choice to remember another aspect of the defense and
continuation of the United States of America on a day like Memorial Day is
my personal choice. I'll point out here that there are many civilians who
have died in the support of our military, home and abroad. And, I did not
say I remember them at the absence of anything grand or proud about Memorial
Day. I remember our civilian contribution *in addition* to the military
one.

It is in the spirit of the times (the fact that we've "grown up" in this
country--note that the female contribution to the military has always been
there; but hardly has it always been celebrated and recognized as it is
today) that I take pause every Memorial Day and remember the people who
settled this land which, incidentally, were the North American Indians, the
people who conquered this land (our forefathers), the people who shaped our
nation (our ancestors), and the people whom have defended her since--our
military and others who "have served." And, I shall continue to do that,
Hans, as you shall continue in your traditional way.

As and aside, I find it interesting that you chose to point out "Veterans
Day/Armistice Day, Labor Day, Armed Forces Day, Navy Day, etc." (minus Labor
Day, incidentally) as days "the rest of us" have to celebrate others'
contributions. I would certainly not set aside Veterans Day to recognize
and celebrate the contributions of civilians, nor for Armed Forces or Navy
Day. For me (note the "for me," Hans?) those days are especially for those
who have served...in the military.

And, you are an in[sic]sensitive old gloat and that appeared long ago, not
because of this exchange.

Kim W5TIT


"KØHB" wrote in message
ink.net...

"Kim" wrote

For me, Memorial Day is more than honoring those who have died.

At the risk of appearing to be an unsensitive old galoot, and at the
further
risk of alienating the 2 YL's who want to honor Rosie the Riveter on
Memorial
day, I must strenuously disagree.

There are a lot of well-deserved "days" to honor veterans and servicemen
in
general, and those others out of uniform who labored "in the cause", but
Memorial Day is NOT that day.

Memorial Day (originally called "Decoration Day" because the main activity
wasn't an extra Monday off for a barbeque in the back yard, but rather
decorating grave sites) was established specifically to remember those
honored
comrades in arms who LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES for us. Let's never dilute
that
sacred honor by turning Memorial Day into another "feel good day" for
every
other patriotic group who wants to tag along on their glorious sacrifice.

The rest of us have Veterans Day/Armistice Day, Labor Day, Armed Forces
Day,
Navy Day, etc. to recognize our contributions. Can we be content with
that?

de Hans