Semper Fi. Thanks for sharing some of the history, Marlin. I always feel uncomfortable when someone treats Memorial Day as a time to recognize all servicemembers. I try not to be the wet blanket, but my Memorial Day memories are a tad too somber for the “Happy” well wishes.
My father, a USN vet of WW2 Pacific, never wanted anything to do with the Memorial Day military affairs.
He was born on May 30th, the original Memorial Day. He was much more comfortable with the holiday as a celebration. Maybe because it caused my aunt such anguish as a little girl, because she didn't get a parade on her birthday. Maybe because he saw such devastation during his time in the Navy, including losing his bunk to a kamikaze. Maybe because it was good to get away from the rat race for a day. I think it was because of all these reasons and more.
That is the way I was raised.
my family has been fortunate -
6 combat veterans spanning four wars over the last 100 years with no deaths, and only 3 purple hearts,...
12 veterans total over the same span of years,...
remember and revere those who gave all, they shall not grow old,...